Accidents & Investigations Episodes

In this powerful Hot Topic Briefing #4, we mark the 29th anniversary of ValuJet Flight 592, which tragically crashed into the Florida Everglades on May 11, 1996, killing all 110 souls aboard. This episode dives deep into the accident, the systemic failures behind it, and how its legacy reshaped aviation safety forever. We’ll explore: ✈️ The story of ValuJet, the ultra-low-cost airline that cut corners to stay profitable 🔥 How illegally loaded oxygen generators led to a catastrophic cargo fire...

In Hot Topic Briefing #3, we take a somber but important look at the tragic accident that claimed the life of world-renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland during a practice session at Langley AFB in Virginia ahead of the Air Power Over Hampton Roads Airshow. We explore Holland’s incredible legacy — from his championship career flying the high-performance MXS-RH aircraft to his leadership in pushing the boundaries of aerobatic flight. We also dive into the world of experimental aircraft, the uni...

In this Hot Topic Briefing of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the dramatic incident involving Delta Flight 2276, which experienced a tailpipe fire at the gate in Orlando. What exactly caused this fiery event? What should pilots do in this scenario—and more importantly, what should they not do? We dive into the mechanics of a tailpipe fire, the crucial role of checklist discipline, and the decision-making process that determines whether to evacuate an aircraft or keep passengers ...

Welcome to the very first episode of our new mini-series, Hot Topic Briefing, where we dive into one pressing issue in aviation in a quick, focused format. This week, we're breaking down the tragic crash of the Mitsubishi MU-2 in upstate New York. We’ll examine what’s known so far, the aircraft's controversial safety record, and what this incident could mean for the industry. Whether you're a pilot, enthusiast, or aviation safety advocate, this briefing delivers the essential takeaways you...

In this episode, we tackle the dangers of mistaken runways for takeoff. We break down the Southwest Flight 3278 incident in Orlando, where the crew mistook a taxiway for a runway—leading to an aborted takeoff after a critical intervention from ATC. Then, we compare it to the tragic Comair Flight 5191 crash in Lexington, where a takeoff from a closed, unlit runway ended in disaster. What causes these errors, and what safeguards can prevent them? We explore real-world lessons from these cases. ...

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pilots learn from this incident? Plus, for those looking to break into the cockpit, we dive into expert tips on securing a pilot interview—covering networking, resume strategies, and standout interview techniques. Tune in for insights, analysis, and aviation wisdom! 📩 Connect wi...

Episode Description: In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Mike and Tom reunite after three years apart, sharing stories from the skies and the terminals. The episode kicks off with how their paths finally crossed again on one of Mike’s trips before diving into some unforgettable experiences on the road. Tom recounts a chaotic airport scene where passengers erupted in frustration after missing a connection, while Mike shares the eerie experience of flying through St. Elmo’s Fire....

Episode Description: This episode is packed with wild aviation stories and the latest updates from the skies! We jump right into the incident involving Delta flight 4819, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, that flipped on landing in Toronto. Plus, we’ve got fresh details from the NTSB about American Airlines flight 5342 (operated by PSA), which collided with a Black Hawk helicopter at DCA. We also talk about the challenges of flying in Alaska, including how the weather may have contributed to th...

In this episode we dive into to what we know about the tragic accident at Washington National on January 29th between American Airline Flight 5342 operated by PSA, a CRJ 700, and PAT 25, a blackhawk helicopter. We give stories about flying into DCA but try to avoid making any assumptions about the accident. Be sure to let us know what you think and comment or reach out with any questions or topics you'd like to see covered. Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com Instagram: the_black_box01 X:...