Pilot Debrief

Philadelphia Plane Crash Update: Let’s talk about facts. In the Potomac mid-air tragedy there was a lot of data readily available between the audio, video, and ADS-B that provided good insight regarding the reason why that crash happened. Yes, we still have to wait for the NTSB’s investigation, but there’s a lot of lessons we can discuss while we wait. In the Learjet crash, we have ADS-B data and some audio but there’s still very little clues as to how it could have happened. Here’s what we do know: A Learjet 55, registered XA-UCI and operating as Med Jets 56, crashed shortly after takeoff from North Philadelphia Airport (PNE) last night, tragically killing all six people onboard—two pilots and four passengers. Preliminary ADS-B data shows the aircraft departed Runway 24 at 6:06 PM, climbing to 1,650 feet before entering a rapid descent just 46 seconds later. The final recorded data point showed a descent rate of -11,000 feet per minute and a ground speed of 247 knots before impact. Weather at the time included overcast ceilings as low as 400 feet AGL, visibility of 6-7 miles, and reports of light rain and mist. Investigators will be examining all possible factors, including weather conditions and mechanical performance, to determine what led to this devastating accident. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those lost in this tragedy. #pilotdebrief #AviationSafety #Learjet55 #MedJets56

Tragic Midair Collision Over the Potomac Last night, American Airlines Flight 5342, a CRJ-700 with 60 passengers and 4 crew members onboard, collided with a military Blackhawk helicopter moments before landing at Reagan National Airport. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, marking one of the most devastating aviation disasters in the U.S. in over 15 years. My heart goes out to the victims and their families in this heartbreaking tragedy. While the investigation is just beginning, it’s crucial to understand the key facts. The Blackhawk, with three soldiers aboard, said they had the CRJ in sight and was instructed to pass behind the CRJ but, for reasons still unclear, ended up in its flight path. On a dark night over the river, the CRJ pilots likely had no warning before the impact. Additionally, the TCAS system that would normally warn the pilots of a potential midair collision is designed to inhibit warnings below 800ft in the CRJ. This is to avoid false warnings from aircraft on the ground. Reagan National operates in some of the most complex and restricted airspace in the country, with overlapping flight paths and multiple runways in use. The NTSB will need to take a close look at whether the airspace was too congested or anything else might have contributed to the crash. At this time it does not appear that weather was a factor. There are still many unanswered questions, and I’ll be breaking down what we know so far in my latest Pilot Debrief. More than anything, this tragedy is a sobering reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the critical lessons we must learn to prevent future disasters. #AviationSafety #PilotDebrief #AA5342

Was this flyby too low? Did the pilots deserve what happened to them? #pilotdebrief #aviation #flying #Pilot

Final Report - N818BR - 11 Dec 2024 Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain Location: Victoria, Texas The 71-year old pilot had a commercial certificate with single and multi-engine ratings. He had 7,000+ total flight hours, including 3,000+ hours in make/model. After a 5-hour aerial observation flight at 16,500 ft, the pilot reported low fuel when he was 10 miles from the airport. Both engines lost power, forcing a landing on a service road. The airplane hit three vehicles and a traffic light pole, causing significant damage. The pilot reported that the fuel tanks contained 236 gallons of fuel before takeoff. However, he did not complete a detailed fuel burn or a weight and balance calculation for the flight. It is likely that the airplane did not contain 236 gallons of fuel before takeoff, and the pilot was unaware of the actual fuel onboard due to inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection. The pilot and three people on the ground sustained minor injuries and one person sustained serious injuries. Thankfully, there were no fatalities. Probable Cause: The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. #pilotdebrief #aviation #flying #pilot #studentpilot