Air Crash Investigator Answers Aviation Accident Questions | Tech Support | WIRED

Introduction and Seating Safety00:00:00

Greg Feith introduces himself as a former NTSB investigator and answers where the safest place to sit on an airplane is, emphasizing proximity to exits and counting seats to prepare for evacuations in various crash orientations.

Pilot Communication and Bird Strikes00:00:48

Feith explains what pilots say to passengers during emergencies, noting that in dire situations they may only say 'brace for impact.' He then discusses bird strikes, citing the Miracle on the Hudson and a fatal incident involving a duck crashing through a windshield.

Critical Flight Stages and Controversial Accidents00:03:28

The investigator identifies takeoff and landing as the stages where most accidents occur. He then discusses controversial reports regarding MH370 and TWA 800, explaining the challenges of finding MH370 in the South Indian Ocean.

MH370 Mystery and Parachutes00:05:34

Feith addresses questions about Malaysia Airlines flight 370, suggesting it was an intentional act by the pilots rather than an accident. He also explains why planes do not have parachutes due to weight constraints and the timing of most accidents.

Thunderstorms and Movie Accuracy00:07:06

He discusses landing in thunderstorms, referencing the American Airlines 1420 crash in Little Rock. He then critiques the movie 'Flight' featuring Denzel Washington, stating that a drunk pilot saving a plane would never happen in real life.

Window Failure and Aerophobia00:09:21

The expert explains the effects of a window cracking at low versus high altitudes and offers advice for those with aerophobia, suggesting they familiarize themselves with aircraft noises and the mechanics of flight to reduce anxiety.

ValueJet 592 and Investigation Process00:12:37

Feith recalls his role as investigator in charge for ValueJet flight 592, explaining how missing plastic caps on oxygen canisters caused an inflight fire. He also details what investigators look for beyond black boxes, including physical wreckage and simulator recreations.

Flight Data Recorders and Intentional Acts00:15:43

He explains how flight data recorders show pitch, roll, and yaw to recreate flight profiles. He then discusses intentional crashes by pilots, citing EgyptAir 990 and SilkAir 185 as examples where pilots deliberately downed aircraft.

Pilot Training and Boeing Issues00:17:15

Feith describes the role of pilot training in mitigating damage and increasing survivability, using animations of accidents like American Airlines MD80. He addresses Boeing's recent quality control and design issues while noting all manufacturers face challenges.

Tracking Aircraft and Preventing Crashes00:19:09

He explains that airplanes are tracked via radar and ADS-B technology, though coverage voids exist over oceans like the Indian Ocean. He discusses how pilots can prevent crashes in catastrophic events, citing United 232 and the Miracle on the Hudson.

Korean Air 801 and Cell Phone Mode00:21:47

Feith discusses the Korean Air flight 801 crash on final approach due to crew misunderstanding of non-precision approaches. He concludes by explaining why cell phones must be in airplane mode to prevent signal disruption to navigation systems.

Aloha Airlines 243 and Conclusion00:22:55

He references Aloha Airlines flight 243 where the top of the aircraft separated, noting improved inspection processes prevent such accidents today. Feith thanks viewers for watching and signs off with 'fly safe.'