The investigation continues into two unusual high-altitude encounters initially described as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drone sightings. Information gathered since the Flight Safety Detectives’ first look at this incident has made these strange events seem like unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) incidents.

In December 2024, a Delta 767 crew reported being shadowed for over an hour at 34,000 feet by multiple flashing red-and-white aircraft over New Mexico and Arizona—well above legal drone limits and invisible to ATC radar. FAA records later indicated four objects maneuvering close to the jet, one within 1,000 feet.

Shortly after, a United 787 at 27,000 feet had a brief, separate encounter with a similar object. FOIA requests revealed details that made these cases more consistent with UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) than drones, given their altitude, endurance, and performance.

Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis discuss aviation safety concerns, the FAA’s lack of a dedicated UAP reporting system, and the stigma pilots face in reporting such events. Todd plans to mine FAA drone-incident data and Mandatory Occurrence Reports to identify other likely UAP encounters.

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A Cirrus SR22T in North Carolina killed the pilot and his entire family. The known details of this July 2025 crash raise serious questions about pilot decisions throughout the flight.

The pilot was flying from Florida to North Carolina and ran into trouble early in the trip. The plane experienced electrical problems that worsened throughout the trip. Despite having opportunities to land at several airports, the pilot continued. The aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed a few miles from the destination, killing everyone on board.

Several pilot decisions increased the risk of the flight, particularly the choice to continue flying after key systems began to malfunction. Also, the aircraft had a parachute system that would have likely saved everyone on board. However, the deployment handle safety pin was not removed pre-flight so the system would not activate.

This episode also has some harsh words for the passengers in the recent 737 takeoff incident in Denver who went down emergency exists with luggage. Exiting the aircraft quickly and safely in an emergency is far more important than what is in any carry-on bag.

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.

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The NTSB just finished a 3-day hearing about the fatal January 2025 midair collision between an airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis tuned in and share their takeaways.

The hearing covered many issues, particularly the role that FAA and Army procedures and systems played in the crash. They credit NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and Member Todd Inman with assertive questioning that took the FAA to task for lack of cooperation with the NTSB.

The NTSB can't make regulations and can only recommend them. This independence is crucial, but it limits its power to implement significant changes. The regulatory process and the technological complexity of the air traffic system mean that any recommendations coming from this investigation may take years.

Overall, this accident investigation is being conducted in a way that will advance aviation safety. However, the resources devoted to this investigation may affect the quality of other current NTSB investigations and aviation safety initiatives.

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.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8