375 Final NTSB Report on Night Crash that Killed a ND Senator and family + GA News

03/15/25 • 54 min

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Max talks about the NTSB’s final report on the fatal crash of a Piper PA-28-140 in Moab, Utah, in October 2023. The crash killed a North Dakota State Senator, his wife, and their two children. The probable cause was spatial disorientation due to somatogravic illusion, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Despite being an experienced military helicopter pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, the pilot had limited fixed-wing and night-flying experience. The crash occurred on a dark night with no moon, conditions that significantly increase accident risk. ADS-B data shows the aircraft climbed slightly, then turned right while accelerating, ultimately descending into terrain.

Max explains how somatogravic illusion can mislead pilots into believing they are climbing when they are actually level or descending. He discusses night flying risks, noting that while only about 5% of personal flights occur at night, 20% of fatal accidents do. He emphasizes better planning, including avoiding night takeoffs when possible, delaying turns until reaching a safe altitude, and using a disciplined instrument scan to prevent fixation. He also suggests time-saving strategies like using food delivery services to avoid unnecessary delays that push departures into nighttime conditions.

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Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway Final NTSB Report: Moab Utah Night Takeoff Accident

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Previous Episode

374 NTSB Preliminary Report Out for Reagan National Midair Collision over Potomac River

The NTSB held a press conference to provide preliminary findings from the flight Max talks about new findings from the NTSB Preliminary Report on the midair collision over the Potomac River involving a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport (DCA). The episode features audio from NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, highlighting the systemic risks in the airspace.

The report reveals a history of frequent near-midair collisions at DCA, with 85 close encounters (under 200 feet vertical, 1,500 feet lateral separation) in the last two and a half years. A key issue is Route 4, where helicopters fly with only 75 feet of separation from aircraft on approach to Runway 33. The NTSB recommends closing Route 4 near DCA and establishing an alternative route.

The episode also discusses systemic normalization of deviance, where repeated near misses led to complacency. DOT plans major air traffic control upgrades, including AI monitoring for collision hotspots.

Max reviews details from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, noting altitude discrepancies and miscommunications between ATC and the helicopter crew. He urges pilots to report hazards proactively, emphasizing that a culture of safety is critical to preventing future accidents.

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Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Preliminary NTSB Report on Reagan Midair Collision #368 NTSB Accident Investigation Process with Jeff Guzzetti Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

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Next Episode

376 PALS Skyhope Volunteer Flying of Medical Patients and Veterans with Adam Broun + GA News

Max talks with Adam Broun of PALS SkyHope, a volunteer pilot organization that provides free air transportation for medical patients, veterans, and others in need. Founded in 2010 by three pilots in the Northeast, PALS SkyHope has conducted over 34,000 flights, serving more than 4,000 families.

Beyond medical transport, they assist military veterans by flying them to camps designed for rehabilitation, as well as special events like Major League Baseball games. They also provide commercial airline tickets, through partnerships with JetBlue and Southwest, as backup transportation.

Safety is a major focus, with pilots required to have at least 350 hours of PIC time and an instrument rating. PALS SkyHope provides risk assessment tools, town halls, and mentorship to support safe operations.

Volunteer pilots primarily fly single-engine aircraft like Cirruses and Bonanzas, but some missions require larger planes due to the needs of passengers. The organization constantly seeks pilots, especially in the Eastern U.S., and relies on donations, marathons, and galas for funding.

Adam emphasizes how volunteer flying gives pilots a meaningful reason to fly while making a real difference in people’s lives, often significantly improving patient outcomes through faster, stress-free travel.

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