Flight Safety Detectives
World-renowned aviation-industry consultants and former NTSB investigators John Goglia and Greg Feith have 100 years of worldwide aviation safety experience between them. In this hard-hitting podcast series they talk about everything aviation -- from the behind-the-scenes facts on deadly air crashes to topics of interest such as tips and tricks for navigating through airports and security, traveling with infants and children, unruly passengers, and packing your bags to ease through security.
Episodes
5/14/26 Piper PA-28 N7188W Fatal Crash Akron, OH
On 5/14/26 at 3:45pm a Piper PA-28 reg. N7188W crashed into a residential home in Akron, OH. The Flight Safety Detectives discuss the preliminary report. John Goglia and Todd Curtis take a closer look the details shared in the NTSB’s preliminary report on the accident, as well the lessons that can be learned from this tragic event. Would you like to experience more of The Flight Safety Detectives?
New Findings in the Crash That Killed NASCAR Champion Alan Kulwicki - Episode 346
Todd Curtis and John Goglia take a closer look at the crash of a Fairchild SA227-TT in Blountville, Tennessee that killed NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki and others. They bring to light why this plane crash wasn't simply a story about bad weather.On April 1, 1993, Kulwicki was flying to Tennessee to compete at Bristol Motor Speedway when the aircraft carrying him crashed during a night instrument ap
Marine One & Passenger Jet Near Miss at Reagan National NTSB Report Out - Episode 345
Marine One. A departing passenger jet. A communications failure. And a safety system that didn’t work as intended.
What really happened on August 4, 2026, when President Trump’s Marine One helicopter departed the White House area at almost the same time an Envoy Air Embraer E170 was taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport?
In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, Todd Curtis
What We Know About the Aug 19 Carlisle Airport Crash - Episode 344
A fatal collision at Carlisle Airport in Pennsylvania on August 19 raises important questions about what happened in the final seconds of two aircraft sharing the same airspace.
In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, Todd Curtis and John Goglia examine the known facts surrounding the collision between a Cessna 150H and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407GX helicopter. The crash killed the C
Flight 405 Crash Survivor Speaks Out - Episode 343
On March 22, 1992, a Fokker 28 aircraft operating USAir flight 405 crashed shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York, killing 25 of the 51 people who were on board the aircraft. John Goglia and Greg Feith meet with flight 405 survivor Bob Main for a powerful discussion.
Bob shares the remarkable story of his physical recovery—and the much longer, often overlooked journey that follow
How to Evacuate an Airplane - Episode 342
A passenger’s video reveals interesting details from the recent evacuation of a Delta 757 aircraft in Atlanta. John Goglia and Todd Curtis dissect the video with their deep understanding of aviation safety issues.
Two videos taken by passengers on board showed the professionalism of the flight crew and questionable choices by some passengers. Several people evacuated the aircraft with carry-on bag
The Real Story Behind the Marine One Event - Episode 341
Just days ago, Marine One took off from the White House carrying President Trump while an airliner was taking off from nearby Reagan National Airport. This event highlights unresolved air space issues made apparent by the fatal midair collision involving a U.S. Army helicopter and a regional airliner.
The FAA is typically notified, and controllers clear the airspace for Marine One. John Goglia and
What Makes an Airplane Safe to Fly? - Episode 340
When is an aircraft truly airworthy? The answer is more complicated—and more important—than most pilots and aviation professionals realize.
Aviation safety experts Todd Curtis and John Goglia are joined by aviation attorney Sarah MacLeod and certification expert Mike Borfitz for a fascinating discussion about what airworthiness really means. Is an airplane airworthy simply because it matches an ap
737 Crash Details Emerging, Mental Health Bill Needs Attention - Episode 339
Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis, along with returning guest Mike Borfitz dig into the developing facts emerging related to the recent 737 crash in the northern Arabian Sea. As the wreckage is recovered, the Flight Safety Detectives are keen to learn about the plane’s history and maintenance records.
They also discuss a recent incident that appears to be a suicide. A flight instructor exit
Young Aviation Enthusiast Examines Air Traffic Issues - Episode 338
Todd Curtis and John Goglia interview Rohan Guskin an aviation enthusiast whose experiences defy his young age. Guskin started flying at age 14 and is now 16. He is still too young to qualify for a pilot’s license but that has not stopped him from pursuing his passions.
Guskin’s experiences inside and outside the cockpit include an ambitious cross-country flight that took him and his instructor fr
Three New Aviation Events Everyone in Aviation Should Know About - Episode 337
A cargo Boeing 737 plunges into the Arabian Sea. A seaplane crashes near Manhattan but everyone survives. And an executive jet narrowly misses an unidentified silver object at 16,000 feet.
In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, aviation safety experts John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine three recent aviation events and explain what they reveal about today's aviation safety challenges.
The ep
Three People Die in One Tragic Flight - Episode 336
A routine flight turned into a tragedy that raises difficult questions about pilot decision-making, flight school oversight, and the risks of night flying.
In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis examine the fatal June 2026 crash that claimed the life of a newly certificated private pilot and two passengers. Using available ADS-B flight data and their
Aviation Misadventures Explored in June Livestream Recording - Episode 335
John Goglia and Todd Curtis went live on June 22 to answer listener questions and give to-the-moment updates on several recent aviation safety events.
They cover several recent misadventures:
A near miss at Boston’s Logan airport involving American Airlines and Delta aircraft.
A skydiving crash in Missouri
The crash of a NetJets Cessna 688 that was flying to Auston Texas
John and Todd offer t
Aviation Investigations Uncover the Full Story - Episode 334
What can NASA safety reports tell us about the state of aviation after the pandemic? In this episode of Flight Safety Detectives, former NTSB Board Member John Goglia and aviation safety analyst Todd Curtis dive into recent trends in NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), examining how reporting levels for Part 121 and Part 135 operators changed during and after the pandemic.
John and Tod
Student Pilot Runs Out of Fuel - Episode 333
John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine an all-too-common aviation incident: fuel exhaustion.
Two pilots recently took off on a training flight that would start after midnight and end before dawn. They planned 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport, a 100-nautical-mile cross-country flight, refueling, and waiting until sunrise to practice additional maneuvers.
Unfortunately, they ran out of f
Real Time Research into Unapproved Plane Parts - Episode 332
Todd Curtis and John Goglia share their real time research into unapproved parts in aviation. They use the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database to do their research.
See what they uncover as they investigate unapproved parts in aviation. They search reports from 1995 and later years to find instances of suspected unapproved or counterfeit parts.
Most of the five cases they dive
Can AI Improve Aviation Safety? - Episode 331
Can artificial intelligence (AI) make aviation safer? In this episode, Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore ways that AI tools are being used to analyze safety data, identify trends, and improve communication across the aviation industry.
Todd shares a project that uses the AI platform Claude along with reports from NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database to create a customized safe
eVTOL Aircraft Face Critical Technical Challenges - Episode 329
New York City eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft test flights and global commercialization efforts are making headlines. Special guest Mike Borfitz, CEO of Kilroy Aviation and a safety certification engineer with more than 40 years of experience, explores critical technical challenges including battery limitations and software integration.
Mike, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia ad
Laguardia Crash Preliminary NTSB Findings - Episode 328
Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the details in the NTSB preliminary accident report about the March 22, 2026 fatal collision between an Air Canada Jazz regional jet and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. The preliminary report offers a detailed timeline of the key events in the minutes before the accident.
The airliner struck a fire truck that was leading six other emergency vehicles across a
Focus on Aviation Mechanics - Episode 327
In this recording of April’s livestream, Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on all things related to aviation mechanics. John and Todd just completed their participation at the latest AMC MRO maintenance competition and they share the unique perspectives on the past, present and future of A&P mechanics.
👉 Hear what more than 500 competitors from across the globe achieved at the 2026 Aerospace Maint
What Really Went Wrong at LaGuardia Airport - Episode 326
Todd Curtis and John Goglia did some digging beyond the official investigation of the tragic March 22, 2026 collision at LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada regional jet and an airport fire truck operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
This incident raises serious questions about airport ground safety—and what they have found may surprise you.
John digs into critical facto
Airport User Fees Reshape Aviation Safety- Episode 325
Controversial proposed landing fee increases at two airports in Mesa, Arizona could have ripple effects nationwide as more airports adopt user fees. What may look like a routine pricing update could significantly impact flight schools, student pilots, and the overall pilot training environment.
John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis dive into a critical safety concern. As costs rise, pilots may s
Aviation Industry Facing Critical Shortage- Episode 324
The aviation industry is facing a critical challenge—the growing shortage of aviation mechanics. Todd Curtis and John Goglia break down what’s driving it and why it matters now more than ever.
From an aging workforce to surging global demand for air travel, the need for skilled technicians is reshaping the future of aviation careers.
Go inside the high-energy Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AM
Behind the Scenes of a Real Aviation Accident Investigation - Episode 323
Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis take you inside the critical first day of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. Using the recent runway collision at LaGuardia Airport as a case study, they break down the unique challenges investigators face from the moment an accident occurs.
You’ll hear how the NTSB “Go Team” mobilizes—often from different corners of the country—and
LaGuardia Crash Breaking News - Episode 322
This recording of a Flight Safety Detectives livestream was recorded soon after the fatal collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22.
Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the early facts related to the crash and compare the event to incidents they have investigated in their past roles with the NTSB and accident investigation.
The
Air Safety Measure Becomes Ground Danger - Episode 321
The very system designed to save lives in the air becomes a hidden danger on the ground. Todd and John break down a January 2026 NTSB safety alert warning first responders about the risks posed by Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) after an aircraft accident.
While BRS have saved countless lives by deploying parachutes in emergencies, the explosive activation system can be dangerous after a crash.
Loss of Power Leads to Ice Landing - Episode 320
Developing: a routine training flight in March turned into a fight for survival.
When a student pilot and instructor flying a Cessna 172 lost engine power over New York’s Hudson River, they were forced to make a split-second decision: attempt to get to Stewart International Airport near the United States Military Academy at West Point or put the aircraft down somewhere else.
About five miles short
Who Controls the Story When a Plane Crashes? - Episode 319
What really happens in the hours and days after a major aviation accident and who controls the story?
Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the issues and suffering creating when people speculate after a plane crash. To illustrate the point, they focus on a 2003 Charlotte, North Carolina Beech 1900 plane crash that drew intense national media attention.
John led the NTSB field investigation, naviga
FSD Live February 23 2026 - Episode 318
Recording of the monthly livestream!
Flight Safety Detectives go live to answer your aviation safety questions. This month, Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia answer questions about TWA Flight 800, the recent Bangor plane crash, and the influence (or lack thereof) of corporate media on NTSB findings and decisions.
Flight Safety Detectives answer questions from the audience the 4th Monday of
What Did Steven Spielberg Get Right About UFO Encounters in the Cockpit? - Episode 317
Take a deep dive into the iconic air traffic control scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. What host Todd Curtis uncovers might surprise you.
Revisiting the tense near–midair collision sequence, Todd analyzes how accurately the film portrayed the real-world challenges pilots and controllers faced in the 1970s when reporting UFOs (now known as UAPs). As shown in the scene, two separate air
Questions Unanswered in Piper Navajo Crash - Episode 316
The NTSB report of a fatal Piper Navajo crash in Medford, Oregon in December 2021 leaves important aviation safety questions unanswered. This fatal crash is attributed to spatial disorientation but facts available lead to serious questions about the fuel tanks and more. The pilot had flown from his home in Nevada to Medford but had to have the fuel system repaired. Days later when the repairs were
Plane Crashes Lead to Complex Investigations - Episode 315
This episode looks at two aviation accident investigations that were highly complex for very different reasons. One is the well-known TWA Flight 800 investigation where John Goglia and Todd Curtis were both directly involved. The other is a lesser-known 2002 crash of a Cessna 208B aircraft that is the subject of a book by author Leslie Kean.John and Todd review the crash of TWA Flight 800, an inve
First Look at Deadly Bangor Plane Crash - Episode 314
In a live episode for members recorded on Jan 26, John Goglia and Greg Feith offer their first findings related to Sunday's crash a Bombardier Challenger 600. Both are familiar with the plane and share the issues that need investigating and the steps the NTSB is likely to take on scene. Investigators need to talk to people present that day and learn what happened leading up to the flight. They als
General Aviation Accident Data Mixed Messages - Episode 313
FAA data shows a steady decrease in U.S. accident rates for general aviation in recent years. But the data may not show an accurate story.Todd Curtis and John Goglia take a deeper dive into the data. Comparing the FAA rates to a NTSB table listing accidents in general aviation shows that the NTSB data implies that general aviation aircraft crashed roughly 50 times more frequently than airlines and
Hawker Stalls Lead to Surprising NTSB Advisory - Episode 312
A just-issued NTSB advisory warns operators of several Hawker jet models of a dangerous stall tendency not adequately explained in the aircraft's documentation. Todd Curtis and John Goglia share important background and details.The advisory was issued based on findings from two fatal Hawker jet crashes, one in 2024 and the other in 2025. Both occurred during post-maintenance flights to test the st
Aviation Safety Deep-Dive - Your Comments Answered - Episode 311
In a December livestream event Todd Curtis and John Goglia tackled listener questions. Listen as they take a deeper dive into some of aviation safety’s most important topics:TWA 800 investigation – was it a coverup?Getting NTSB reps on the show to discuss investigationsTaxiway issuesHow the media affects air crash investigationsUpdates on the Louisville crashListen and get updated on these topics
Crisis Communication for Airlines - Episode 310
A veteran crisis-communications expert and author of “Transport Management: Successes and Failures” (2026) joins the show. Linda Tavlin draws on more than 35 years of experience to discuss how transportation organizations—especially airlines—should communicate during major accidents and crises. Linda and John Goglia reflect on their long professional history, including work on major aviation disas
Real Time Reporting on an Emergency Airworthiness Directive - Episode 309
The European Aviation Safety Agency issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) on November 28, 2025, that ordered nearly 6,000 A319, A320, and A321 aircraft be grounded to check for a flight control computer issue. Todd and John recorded this show while gathering details about the grounding in real time.The show was recorded as John gets phone calls and emails from colleagues during the show
Biffle Citation Crash Facts and Problematic Conflict- Episode 308
Recorded the day of the crash of a Cessna Citation earlier in the day that killed former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his family, and three others when the aircraft struck the ground just short of the runway and caught fire at the Statesville, North Carolina airport. The aircraft had taken off from the airport just a few minutes earlier and was attempting to land at the same airport.The aircraft,
Xyla Foxlin on Pilot Mental Health - Episode 307
Guest Xyla Foxlin focuses on how the FAA and the aviation community can better support mental health issues faced by pilots and other aviation professionals. Foxlin is an engineer and pilot who produced an award-winning video about pilot mental health.Her aviation journey highlights include a Young Eagles flight that cemented her fascination with aviation, owning and maintaining a Cessna 140 that
UPS Crash Updates, Basic Med Clarified, Mental Health in Aviation - Episode 306
This recording of a live stream on November 26 gives additional insights and updates into recent issues in aviation safety. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith and John Goglia tackle viewer questions to correct mistakes and dig deeper into current accidents and incidents.Hear more about:Politics and aviation safetyBasic Med rulesThe Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025How a ramp worker was able to steal an a
Examining a Rash of Endeavor CRJ Ground Collisions - Episode 305
Take a deep dive into the NTSB preliminary report of what happened when a taxiing Delta A350 struck and substantially damaged an Endeavor CRJ in Atlanta. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis examine the contributing factors, including crew distractions, limited visibility of the wingtip from the cockpit, and the layout of the taxiways.This event was one of three incidents involving Endeavor Air
Digging Into the Data on Aviation Risks - Episode 304
The perception of aviation safety risk is much higher than the actual data. Safety data expert Mike Borfitz helps John Goglia and Todd Curtis look at how misleading data is used to support misleading theories about the Air India 787 and other high-profile aviation disasters.John and Mike highlight issues with reporting and documents related to the Air India accident. Learn the inside story on why
UPS Crash Facts Examined - Episode 303
A look at the facts provided in the NTSB preliminary accident report on the November 4, 2025, crash of a UPS MD-11F in Louisville, Kentucky. John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith share their insider perspectives as they examine the details of this fatal plane crash.Many online commentators have speculated on the cause of the crash and other details of the accident, only to be proven wrong by the
Older Pilots at Risk? Plus UAP Reporting News - Episode 302
Breaking news! The FAA has made significant changes to the policy on reporting Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). UAP reports generated by air traffic controllers will use the acronym UAP instead of UFO, and controllers are required to provide specific information about the UAP in their reports.Also in this episode, Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss two 2025 fatal accidents in which pilot m
Safety in Aircraft Design, Mental Health, Pilot Training - Episode 301
This recording of a livestream event covers many aviation safety topics, from designing aircraft for safety to mental health support for industry professionals to passenger responsibilities. Hear Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis tackle viewer questions with insight and candor!Among the topics covered:Biennial flight reviewsMental health in the cockpit and in the hangarTesting for certificat
FAA & Aviation Maintenance Disconnects - Episode 300
In this 300th episode of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia welcome special guest Sarah MacLeod, executive director of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA). Maintenance issues get the spotlight, including how maintenance professionals and aircraft operators are challenged to understand how FAA maintenance regulations and standards apply to
LaGuardia Regional Airliners Collide on Taxiway - Episode 299
Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia provide critical insights into an October 1, 2025, ground collision at LaGuardia Airport between two taxiing regional airliners. The collision caused serious damage to both planes operated by Delta Connection. The NTSB has not yet provided a preliminary report but the detectives gather details that offer initial insights. John has extensive experience as a
Missing Logbooks, Missing Answers in Night Flight Tragedy - Episode 298
A pilot who was attempting to satisfy FAA requirements for flying at night was killed in another preventable plane crash. The NTSB report of this 2018 high-energy impact into the ocean leaves several key questions unanswered.The NTSB lists a probable cause that the Flight Safety Detectives just can’t support. They add this to a list of insufficient NTSB reports published in the last few years.The
Multiple Errors Lead to Helicopter Crash - Episode 297
A mission to collect crocodile eggs in Australia went horribly wrong after a series of errors. A R44 helicopter ran out of fuel and the pilot had to release an external sling carrying the person collecting the eggs, killing that person and injuring the pilot.The helicopter was one of a group of helicopters participating in a reality show. The accident pilot passed on the opportunity to refuel on t
Air India Crash & Washington National Crash Latest Details - Episode 296
In this recording of the first Flight Safety Detectives live stream, viewer questions take John Goglia, Todd Curtis and Greg Feith on a deep dive onto aviation safety headlines. Audience questions help bring forward the latest developments in the investigations of the Air India crash, Washington National crash, reports of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) and much more.Why the public will nev
Deadly Consequences of Deferred Aircraft Maintenance - Episode 295
Deferring maintenance can be deadly. The July 2024 fatal crash of a twin-engine Beechcraft Duke, which killed the pilot and both passengers, provides the perfect case to make this point. The aircraft had been idle for several months and had been exposed to weather including snow. The pilot was flying himself and his two passengers from upstate New York to Ohio. He did so despite airworthiness issu
Evolution Revo LSA Fatal Plane Crash - Episode 294
Spotlight on the September 2024 fatal crash involving an Evolution Revo light sport weight shift aircraft (LSA). A CFI and student pilot were killed when the aircraft's wings folded and it entered a steep dive.Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore questions not answered in the recently released NTSB report. How or why did the CFI miss the checklist item to attach a key support cable? Had the aircraf
CFIs Bad Choices Turn Deadly - Episode 293
Calling out inappropriate CFI behavior! John and Todd dig into the details of a fatal September 2023 accident involving a night training flight. The student's regular instructor was not available, and this was the first training with a different CFI.The CFI’s actions were unprofessional and inappropriate. He uploaded posts to Snapchat before and during the flight. In a post uploaded prior to the f
Digging Deeper into the Drone Swarm Event - Episode 292
Viewer questions lead to continued discussion in Episode 288 about a fleet of unknown drones that violated FAA regulations by flying near an airliner for an hour. John Goglia and Todd Curtis provide additional insights.Would cameras in the cockpit be helpful? Probably not. Advances in flight data recorder technology have allowed flight data recorders to track over a thousand inputs about the state
Controlled Substances & Mental Health Impacts on Aviation Safety - Episode 291
John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith discuss the details of a fatal R44 helicopter crash in Australia that involved a pilot who had been drinking and had suspected mental health issues. The pilot took off without permission and made several low-level passes over the city before crashing into a hotel. The ATSB accident investigation report included a detailed analysis of the flight and of the h
Risky Choices Kill Overconfident Pilot - Episode 290
What’s the latest with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370)? The 777 disappeared over 11 years ago. John Goglia and Todd Curtis provide the latest details. They also look at a 2023 crash of a Robinson R22 helicopter in rural Australia. The evening flight ended in tragedy when the pilot was killed when the helicopter crashed into trees at about 88 knots.The helicopter was not equipped for night fly
40+ Reportable Aviation Events in 12 Days & NTSB Reports Fall Short - Episode 289
August in flight safety: at least 40 reportable events in just 12 days. The Flight Safety Detectives have reason to believe the number of events is even higher.Worse, the NTSB is putting out inadequate reports. They often provide the obvious cause and do not dig in to find the root cause. Significant questions are left with no answers. Greg Feith notes every accident has a safety lesson to learn.T
Strange High-Altitude Encounters Get Stranger - Episode 288
The investigation continues into two unusual high-altitude encounters initially described as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drone sightings. Information gathered since the Flight Safety Detectives’ first look at this incident has made these strange events seem like unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) incidents.In December 2024, a Delta 767 crew reported being shadowed for over an hour at 34
Fuel & Fatal Choices - Lessons from July SR22T Crash - Episode 287
A Cirrus SR22T in North Carolina killed the pilot and his entire family. The known details of this July 2025 crash raise serious questions about pilot decisions throughout the flight.The pilot was flying from Florida to North Carolina and ran into trouble early in the trip. The plane experienced electrical problems that worsened throughout the trip. Despite having opportunities to land at several
DC Midair Collision Gets Hearing - Episode 286
The NTSB just finished a 3-day hearing about the fatal January 2025 midair collision between an airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis tuned in and share their takeaways.The hearing covered many issues, particularly the role that FAA and Army procedures and systems played in the crash. They credit NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and Member T
Live from Oshkosh! - Episode 285
We bring you to AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This annual event attracts hundreds of thousands of aerospace professionals, aerospace enthusiasts, and their families for a unique aviation experience.John Goglia, Greg Feith, and Todd Curtis talk about the amazing quality and quantity of aircraft at the show. Hear about historical and cutting-edge aircraft on display and in flight and the pe
AAIB Causes Bigger Mess in Air India Investigation - Episode 284
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an appeal to the public and the media to stop speculating about the cause of the Air India crash. This comes less than a week after the agency released a preliminary report that raises more questions than provides answers. The Flight Safety Detectives share this latest development in an investigation that has been poorly handled from
Bad Pilot Decisions Kills 6 - Episode 283
A Cessna Citation crash in March that killed all aboard appears to be the result of bad pilot decision making. Responding to the interest of numerous listeners, John Goglia and Todd Curtis dig into what happened.The pilot was completing a cross-country flight in the early morning hours of March 22, 2025. He took off after 11 pm the previous night in Teterboro, NJ, and crashed hours later in San Di
Aviation Safety and UAPs in Space - Episode 282
Former US Air Force and NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Gregory Rodgers discusses first-hand experiences with the NASA space shuttle program. Among his efforts, he helped change NASA procedures that endangered shuttle crews. Among his efforts to improve space safety, Dr. Rogers tried to convince NASA to add a repair kit to Shuttle missions to deal with the ongoing issue of protective heat-resistant tiles
Air India Investigation Facts and Logic Must Prevail - Episode 281
Yesterday’s special episode generated a lot of questions about the Air India preliminary report. Facts in hand, the Flight Safety Detectives tackle them head on.The preliminary report does not identify any issues with the aircraft that directly contributed to the crash. It focuses on the actions taken by the flight crew. Hear more detail on why the design of fuel cutoff switches makes it unlikely
Who Turned Off the Engines?!?- Episode 280
The preliminary report on the June 12, 2025, fatal crash of an Air India 787 is most notable for what is unstated, vague, and even misleading. The detectives start with the omission of who turned off the engines just after takeoff. Their list of unanswered questions grows from there. This crash appears to not be an accident, but rather an intentional act by at least one member of the flight crew.
Experts Raise Alarm Over Air India 787 Crash Investigation Ahead of Preliminary Report - Episode 279
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau plans to issue a preliminary report on the June 12, 2025, fatal crash of an Air India 787 tomorrow. Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia detectives have serious concerns about the credibility of this investigation and the upcoming preliminary report.They discuss several irregularities with the investigation, including the unusual decision not to i
Air India Crash and 737 Max Plug Door Blowout Updates - Episode 278
An update on the Air India crash investigation, with focus on the flight data recorders installed and recovered from the aircraft.John explains the identical dual flight data and voice recorders installed on the plane. Viewer questions led to further investigation and clarification of the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR) installed on the plane.In other news, the NTSB has issued more than
The High-Stakes Flight into Oshkosh - Episode 277
AirVenture 2025 is approaching fast. With it comes the transformation of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, into the busiest airport in the world. Pilots flying in must be prepared for the unique air traffic procedures. In this episode, aviation experts Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia take us behind the scenes of the annual event and discuss the critical safety protocols all pilots must follow.The team
Safety Critical Information Being Withheld from Air India 787 Crash? – Episode 276
Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis find the lack of information emerging about the Air India 787 crash surprising. They wonder if safety critical information is being withheld from the aviation community and the public at large.The flight data recorder (FDR) is in the US for analysis, while the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) remains in India. The CVR and FDR are typically read out simultaneousl
Developing: All Killed in Helicopter Crash with Radio Tower - Episode 248
Todd Curtis and John Goglia share the unfolding information surrounding a October 20, 2024 crash of an air tour R44 helicopter into a radio tower in Houston. The NTSB investigation continues.The air tour helicopter apparently crashed into the radio tower while the pilot in command was reading back a traffic advisory about a second helicopter in the vicinity. The second helicopter was operated by t
Breaking Aviation Safety News: Air India Crash and Bombing in Middle East - Episode 275
Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia are fresh from media interviews on the Air India crash. They regroup here to share their insights with the Flight Safety Detectives audience.An Air India 787 crashed in Ahmedabad, India on June 12. The detectives want to put the brakes on the media, aviation commentators and social media posters who are providing bad information about the cause of the crash
John Goglia Costars in Nathan Fielder's "The Rehearsal" on HBO - Episode 274
Nathan Fielder needed an aviation expert for Season 2 of the series "The Rehearsal" so he tapped Flight Safety Detectives’ own John Goglia. John’s recommendations for how crew resource management (CRM) can reduce aviation accidents became the focus of the season.John discusses how he was approached to be in the show, how he didn't have a clear idea of the direction it would take, and the unexpecte
What Happened to Singer Jim Croce? - Episode 273
Jim Croce died in a plane crash more than 50 years ago. Determining what caused the 1973 crash is challenging. This episode also covers an event where no one was flying a Lufthansa plane.The only surviving document from the plane crash that killed Jim Croce is less than a page long, leaving many questions unanswered. The investigation was likely carried out by an investigator who was outside of NT
Aviation Safety Takes Significant Hits in US - Episode 271
Recent air traffic control issues at Newark Liberty Airport and the recent dismissal of an NTSB board member signal significant aviation safety issues in the US.Since early May, Newark Airport has experienced significant flight disruptions due to radar outages and shortages of air traffic controllers. The current FAA administrator blames the previous administration for these problems. What’s the t
Ice Falls from the Sky - Episode 270
A 200-pound chunk of ice came crashing through the roof of a house in February. What was the source?Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia analyze an unusual event involving a large chunk of ice from the sky. The ice fell out of a clear sky and crashed through the metal roof of a home in Florida. After an investigation, the FAA found no evidence that a plane was the source of the ice. Chemical a
Offshore Oil Platforms and Aviation Safety - Episode 269
Helicopters and offshore oil platform operations can be a deadly combination. John Goglia and Todd Curtis discuss two accidents to illustrate aviation safety concerns.In a 2010 accident discussed, maintenance and managerial failures resulted in minor damage and no injuries because of the pilot's skill. Another is a fatal accident that killed all on board due to the pilot not following the helicopt
Smart Pilot Makes Bad Decision and Pays with His Life - Episode 268
A pilot with many hours of experience and an instructor rating died following the bad decision to fly his newly purchased airplane without first understanding how the aircraft systems operate. He also did not review the logbooks or have the plane looked over after 10 years sitting idle.The pilot had purchased a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche. Key facts in the NTSB report and public docket show that the
Mitsubishi MU-2 Crash Follows Missed Approach - Episode 267
An experienced pilot with multiple ratings lost control of his Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft and crashed after a missed approach. Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia look at the facts surrounding this incident that killed six.ADS-B information broadcast by the plane shows a missed approach followed by an unusual second attempt. Rather than flying the published missed approach, air traffic controlle
