Investigating Airline Disasters with Edward Colson of Ready Northwest

Weather Events and City Adaptations

Dan provides an update on recent weather events, including a narrow band of snow in Colorado and a historic snowstorm in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The New Orleans storm dropped 8 inches of snow, matching a record from 1895, and set a new state record for Florida with 6-7 inches. Jamie shares that the storm stranded some authors in New Orleans for an extra three days.

Becky explains that southern cities are unprepared for such rare snow events, lacking the necessary equipment and plans. Edward notes that Portland, Oregon has adapted to more frequent snow events in recent years. Dan then discusses the potential for heavy rain and flooding in California, particularly in the northern part of the state, following recent wildfires in the south.

Aviation Accident Investigation and Safety

Sam and Edward discussed a recent aviation accident involving an airliner and a helicopter. Edward, a helicopter pilot and emergency management consultant, shared his insights on the possible causes of the accident, including the positioning of the aircraft and the role of air traffic control. He suggested that the helicopter may have been looking at the landing lights of the aircraft behind it, rather than the one in front, and that the airliner may not have seen the helicopter until the last minute.

Edward also mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and that the technology and safety measures in place have contributed to a relatively good safety record in the United States. Sam agreed with Edward’s analysis and expressed his concern about the speed at which the accident occurred.

Night Flying Challenges and Safety

Edward discussed the challenges of flying at night, particularly in a city environment with numerous lights. He highlighted the difficulty of identifying aircraft due to the brightness of city lights, which can blend in with the aircraft. Edward also mentioned the use of night vision goggles, which can enhance situational awareness but can also complicate the identification of aircraft. He noted that the use of night vision goggles is more common in rural or search and rescue operations.

Edward also touched on the importance of situational awareness and the potential for spatial disorientation, which can lead to accidents. Dan agreed with Edward’s points, emphasizing the differences between helicopter and commercial aviation. The team also discussed a recent accident in Texas involving a helicopter that contacted a high tension tower.

NTSB Investigation Process and Recommendations

Jamie expressed interest in understanding the process the NTSB follows during extensive investigations into aviation accidents, particularly in high-profile cases with significant loss of life. Edward explained that the NTSB has a go team of investigators on call 24/7, ready to deploy within 6 hours of a large incident. They gather data from the accident aircraft, air transport, air traffic control tapes, audio recordings, radar scopes, and other relevant pieces.

A preliminary report is issued, identifying probable causes, followed by a final report with recommendations. Edward noted that the NTSB does not have enforcement authority but can issue recommendations to regulatory agencies. Dan recommended listening to the NTSB’s press briefing for a detailed overview of the crash. Edward and Dan also highlighted the importance of the NTSB’s recommendations in improving aviation safety.

Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents

The team discussed the importance of drills and preparations for mass casualty incidents, using the recent plane crash in the Potomac River as a case study. They highlighted the challenges faced during the response, such as the night-time crash, cold water temperatures, and windy conditions. The team also discussed the role of airports in conducting regular drills and exercises to prepare for such incidents. The conversation ended with a focus on the importance of understanding the root causes of such incidents to prevent them in the future.

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