Deferring maintenance can be deadly. The July 2024 fatal crash of a twin-engine Beechcraft Duke, which killed the pilot and both passengers, provides the perfect case to make this point.

The aircraft had been idle for several months and had been exposed to weather including snow. The pilot was flying himself and his two passengers from upstate New York to Ohio. He did so despite airworthiness issues that included visible landing gear damage.

The left engine lost power and the pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport. The pilot lost control and crashed after attempting a single-engine go-around. Analysis reveals other issues with the aircraft, including clear signs of fuel system contamination and engine performance problems.

John and Todd explored several issues not in the NTSB final report but implied from the information collected. The pilot had ample information about the airworthiness of the aircraft before takeoff but was apparently determined to fly that day.

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Spotlight on the September 2024 fatal crash involving an Evolution Revo light sport weight shift aircraft (LSA). A CFI and student pilot were killed when the aircraft's wings folded and it entered a steep dive.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore questions not answered in the recently released NTSB report. How or why did the CFI miss the checklist item to attach a key support cable? Had the aircraft recently been transported? Was work done on the aircraft?

The aircraft uses hang-glider-like wings for lift. It relies on moving a control bar to shift the center of gravity and change the shape of the wing and does not rely on traditional flight control surfaces. Despite his extensive experience with the aircraft, the CFI did not properly attach a key support cable called a haul back cable.

LSA rules will change in 2025 and 2026, including allowing pilots with an LSA certification to fly larger aircraft like the Cessna 172.

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Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Calling out inappropriate CFI behavior! John and Todd dig into the details of a fatal September 2023 accident involving a night training flight. The student's regular instructor was not available, and this was the first training with a different CFI.

The CFI’s actions were unprofessional and inappropriate. He uploaded posts to Snapchat before and during the flight.

In a post uploaded prior to the flight, the CFI complained about how long the student took to do a preflight inspection. John Goglia reminds that a preflight inspection should take as long as necessary!

The CFI was the pilot-in-command of the flight. He made critical decisions that put the aircraft in danger and likely led to the crash.

While returning from the night training flight, the CFI ignored storms in the area and pressed on instead of landing at an alternate airport. The plane encountered severe turbulence and broke up in flight, killing the CFI and the student.

In other news, the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 now under consideration in the U.S. would improve aviation safety. Interest in the issue was spurred in part by the latest season of HBO’s “The Rehearsal” in which John Goglia helped highlight pilot mental health issues. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the act, and it is now before the Senate.

This legislation would make it less likely that pilots and air traffic controllers who take medications for mental health issues would keep their FAA certifications. Contact your senator to support the legislation.

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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