Thanks to our Patron Kevin Shaw for recommending this episode, and to Erica for Guesting for this episode!

Photo Sources:

Video Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fgr3rwC7BQ

Research Sources:

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0704.pdf

“Cracks in the System.” Air Disasters, season 2, episode 1, Smithsonian Channel, 17 June 2012.

Thanks to Kevin for the correction in classifications:

Part 135 (14 CFR part 135) are charter flights. They can be any size aircraft from a Piper Cub to an A-380. In fact, there is quite a bit of increased scrutiny over charter operations in Alaska – many of which are Cubs (1 pilot, 1 passenger) and small Cessnas (2-5 pax). Another area of increased scrutiny is “illegal charter flights” where a part 91 pilot flies a part 91 aircraft for hire.
Part 129 are foreign carriers operating in US airspace. This can be anything from puddle-jumpers from the Caribbean to heavies coming from the Middle East or Asia.

October 20, 2026

SR306

On September 4, 1963, A Swissair Caravelle is taking off out of Zurich on its way to Rome, but they do not make it far. What caused this aircraft to crash soon after takeoff?

October 13, 2026

PWA117

On July 14, 1986, A Pacific Western Airlines 737 is flying from Calgary to Kelowna, but the landing does not go to plan. What caused this flight to fly right off the end of the runway?

October 6, 2026

SYM3641

On February 1, 1994, An American Eagle Saab 340 is trying to do an emergency landing at False River Airpark, but it does not go to plan. Why did this flight have to make an emergency landing in the first place?

September 29, 2026

MYX9001

On February 28, 2018, A group of student pilots in Estonia is doing touch and go’s with their trainer in an A320-200, but this does not go to plan. What caused this flight to lose its engine power and crash land at the airport?