Welcome to GoRapidExpress.com

Infomercial Celebrity Billy Mays Dies After Flight (Audio - MP3)
Television infomercial celebrity Billy Mays died in his sleep less than a day after he was involved in a landing incident where he was struck in the head by one or more falling objects. US Airways Flight 1241, a 737-400, departed from Philadelphia, PA just after noon on June 27, 2009 on a nonstop flight to Tampa, FL.

Crash of an Air France A330 in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil (Video - WMV)
On June 1st, 2009, Air France flight 447, a scheduled international flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in an area roughly 600 miles, or 960 kilometers, off the northeast coast of Brazil. Several areas of suspected aircraft debris were also found near the estimated position of its last radio communication. All 216 passengers and 12 crew members, together representing over 30 nationalities, are missing and presumed dead.

Crash of an Air France A330 in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil (Video - MP4)
On June 1st, 2009, Air France flight 447, a scheduled international flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in an area roughly 600 miles, or 960 kilometers, off the northeast coast of Brazil. Several areas of suspected aircraft debris were also found near the estimated position of its last radio communication. All 216 passengers and 12 crew members, together representing over 30 nationalities, are missing and presumed dead.

Crash of an Air France A330 in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil (Audio - MP3)
On June 1st, 2009, Air France flight 447, a scheduled international flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in an area roughly 600 miles, or 960 kilometers, off the northeast coast of Brazil. Several areas of suspected aircraft debris were also found near the estimated position of its last radio communication. All 216 passengers and 12 crew members, together representing over 30 nationalities, are missing and presumed dead.

NTSB Hearings on the Buffalo Plane Crash (Audio - MP3)
On May 12th, 2009, the NTSB began a three-day public hearing about its ongoing investigation into the fatal February 2009 crash of a Continental Connection airliner in Buffalo, NY. Among the issues that came up were the possible roles of crew fatigue and crew training in the accident. During the last day of the hearing, noted aviation consultant Mike Boyd and I sat down with host Dave Berns of the "State of Nevada" program on KNPR radio in Las Vegas.

Emirates A340 Accident Report Released (Audio - MP3)
On 20 March 2009, an Emirates A340 aircraft, with 275 passengers and crew on board, was involved in a tail strike accident during takeoff from Melbourne, Australia. The aircraft suffered some damage, but there were no injuries to anyone on board. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) recently released preliminary findings that indicated that an incorrect weight had been used when making performance calculations prior to departure. The calculations were based on a takeoff weight that was 100 tons below the actual takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Swine Flu Risks for Airline Passengers (Video - WMV)
After a rapid spread of the swine flu virus, the World Health Organization announced an increase in its global alert level on April 27, 2009. So far, about 150 people have died from the disease, all in Mexico. In this report, AirSafe.com summarizes the current situation and offers passengers suggestions on how to deal with flu threats on their flight.

Swine Flu Risks for Airline Passengers (Video - MP4)
After a rapid spread of the swine flu virus, the World Health Organization announced an increase in its global alert level on April 27, 2009. So far, about 150 people have died from the disease, all in Mexico. In this report, AirSafe.com summarizes the current situation and offers passengers suggestions on how to deal with flu threats on their flight.

Swine Flu Risks for Airline Passengers (Audio - MP3)
After a rapid spread of the swine flu virus, the World Health Organization announced an increase in its global alert level on April 27, 2009. So far, about 150 people have died from the disease, all in Mexico. In this report, AirSafe.com summarizes the current situation and offers passengers suggestions on how to deal with flu threats on their flight.

Crash of a FedEx Express MD-11 in Tokyo on 23 March 2009 (Video - MP4)
The aircraft was on a cargo flight from Guangzhou, China to Narita Airport near Tokyo, Japan. The aircraft bounced on landing, and contacted the runway a second time nose wheel first. The plane then rolled to the left, hit the runway with its left horizontal stabilizer and wing, caught fire and rolled over onto its back, coming to rest off the left side of the runway. Both crew members were killed. This was the first fatal accident at Narita Airport since it opened in 1978.

Crash of a FedEx Express MD-11 in Tokyo on 23 March 2009 (Video - WMV)
The aircraft was on a cargo flight from Guangzhou, China to Narita Airport near Tokyo, Japan. The aircraft bounced on landing, and contacted the runway a second time nose wheel first. The plane then rolled to the left, hit the runway with its left horizontal stabilizer and wing, caught fire and rolled over onto its back, coming to rest off the left side of the runway. Both crew members were killed. This was the first fatal accident at Narita Airport since it opened in 1978.

Crash of a FedEx Express MD-11 in Tokyo on 23 March 2009 (Audio - MP3)
The aircraft was on a cargo flight from Guangzhou, China to Narita Airport near Tokyo, Japan. The aircraft bounced on landing, and contacted the runway a second time nose wheel first. The plane then rolled to the left, hit the runway with its left horizontal stabilizer and wing, caught fire and rolled over onto its back, coming to rest off the left side of the runway. Both crew members were killed. This was the first fatal accident at Narita Airport since it opened in 1978.

British Airways 777 Crash Update March 2009 (Video - WMV)
In March 2009, the AAIB released findings from the investigation of the January 2008 British Airways 777 accident that point to ice buildup in the fuel system as the key factor in the crash in London. On March 11th, 2009, the NTSB called for a redesign of the fuel system, and for the affected aircraft to have those changes installed within six months after the redesign is complete.

British Airways 777 Crash Update March 2009 (Video - MP4)
In March 2009, the AAIB released findings from the investigation of the January 2008 British Airways 777 accident that point to ice buildup in the fuel system as the key factor in the crash in London. On March 11th, 2009, the NTSB called for a redesign of the fuel system, and for the affected aircraft to have those changes installed within six months after the redesign is complete.

Fixing the Problem That May Have Caused the British Airways 777 Crash (Audio - MP3)
Recent findings from the AAIB accident investigation point to ice buildup in the fuel system as the key factor in the January 2008 crash of a British Airways 777 in London. On March 11th, 2009, the NTSB called for a redesign of the fuel system, and for the affected aircraft to have those changes installed within six months after the redesign is complete.

Turkish Airlines Plane Crash in Amsterdam on 25 February 2009 (Video - M4V)
The aircraft, on a scheduled international flight from Istanbul, Turkey, to Amsterdam, Netherlands crashed in a field about a mile (1.6 km) short of the runway. The fuselage was broken into three major sections, and both engines were torn off. There was apparently no post crash fire. Three crew members, including both pilots, were killed, as were at least six others among the 135 passengers and crew members.

Turkish Airlines Plane Crash in Amsterdam on 25 February 2009 (Video - WMV)
The aircraft, on a scheduled international flight from Istanbul, Turkey, to Amsterdam, Netherlands crashed in a field about a mile (1.6 km) short of the runway. The fuselage was broken into three major sections, and both engines were torn off. There was apparently no post crash fire. Three crew members, including both pilots, were killed, as were at least six others among the 135 passengers and crew members.

Turkish Airlines Plane Crash in Amsterdam on 25 February 2009 (Audio - MP3)
The aircraft, on a scheduled international flight from Istanbul, Turkey, to Amsterdam, Netherlands crashed in a field about a mile (1.6 km) short of the runway. The fuselage was broken into three major sections, and both engines were torn off. There was apparently no post crash fire. Three crew members, including both pilots, were killed, as were at least six others among the 135 passengers and crew members.

Crash of a Continental Airlines 737-500 in Denver on 20 December 2008 (Audio - MP3)
The aircraft departed the left side of runway 34R during takeoff from Denver International Airport. The scheduled, domestic passenger flight was en route to Houston. There were 83 occupants in the aircraft, and 32 were injured, five seriously. The aircraft was substantially damaged and experienced a post-crash fire, which was located on the right side of the aircraft.

Crash of a Continental Airlines 737-500 in Denver on 20 December 2008 (video - M4V)
The aircraft departed the left side of runway 34R during takeoff from Denver International Airport. The scheduled, domestic passenger flight was en route to Houston. There were 83 occupants in the aircraft, and 32 were injured, five seriously. The aircraft was substantially damaged and experienced a post-crash fire, which was located on the right side of the aircraft.

Crash of a Continental Airlines 737-500 in Denver on 20 December 2008 (video - WMV)
The aircraft departed the left side of runway 34R during takeoff from Denver International Airport. The scheduled, domestic passenger flight was en route to Houston. There were 83 occupants in the aircraft, and 32 were injured, five seriously. The aircraft was substantially damaged and experienced a post-crash fire, which was located on the right side of the aircraft.

Continental Connection Crash in Buffalo 12 February 2009 (video - WMV)
A Continental Connection Dash 8 aircraft crashed into a residential area near Buffalo, NY, killing all 45 passengers and four crew members on the aircraft, plus one person on the ground. The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic flight from Newark, NJ, and crashed about five miles from the Buffalo Airport at about 10:20 pm local time.

Continental Connection Crash in Buffalo 12 February 2009 (video - M4V)
A Continental Connection Dash 8 aircraft crashed into a residential area near Buffalo, NY, killing all 45 passengers and four crew members on the aircraft, plus one person on the ground. The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic flight from Newark, NJ, and crashed about five miles from the Buffalo Airport at about 10:20 pm local time.

Continental Connection Crash in Buffalo 12 February 2009 (audio - MP3)
A Continental Connection Dash 8 aircraft crashed into a residential area near Buffalo, NY, killing all 45 passengers and four crew members on the aircraft, plus one person on the ground. The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic flight from Newark, NJ, and crashed about five miles from the Buffalo Airport at about 10:20 pm local time.

Interview with Bird Strike Expert Dr. Ron Merritt (audio - MP3)
On January 18th, 2009, three days after the bird strike related ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 in New York, I interviewed bird strike expert Dr. Ron Merritt. He's currently the president of Detect, Inc., which manufactures bird strike avoidance radars. He was also at one time the military commander of US Air Force unit responsible for understanding and reducing bird strike hazards to Air Force aircraft. For the next half hour or so, you'll hear Ron and I discuss a variety of bird strike and wildlife hazard topics, including the need for wildlife experts in the US Airways accident investigation team, wildlife control policy issues, and the history of the key bird strike organizations in the US and Canada.

Interview on the Escapes Radio Talk Show (audio - MP3)
On February 9th, 2009, I was a guest on the "Escapes" radio show hosted by Ann Lombardi of the the Trip Chicks, who along Wendy Swartzell run the Atlanta area travel company Passport to Adventure. During the show, we discussed several of the issues around the previous month's ditching accident involving a US Airways A320 in New York, including what can be done about bird strike hazards, and how passengers should deal with fear of flying.

Interview on WGN Radio after the US Airways Ditching (audio - MP3)
On 15 January 2009, a US Airways A320 encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. Both engines lost power, apparently as the result of experiencing multiple bird strikes, and the crew was able to successfully ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River. All five crew members and 150 passengers survived the accident. The following day, Dr. Todd Curtis was a guest of Dean Richards on Chicago's WGN radio. They discussed the US Airways event, how the public's fear of flying is affected by extensive media coverage of airline accidents, and what kind of measures could be taken to deal with the threat of bird strikes.

Ditching of a US Airways A320 on the Hudson River in New York (video - WMV)
On 15 January 2009, a US Airways A320 experienced a loss of power to both engines shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The crew was able to successfully ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan. Reportedly, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. The aircraft reached an maximum altitude of about 3200 feet before it began to descend. After ditching, all five crew members and 150 passengers evacuated the aircraft. One passenger sustained serious injuries.

Ditching of a US Airways A320 on the Hudson River in New York (video - M4V)
On 15 January 2009, a US Airways A320 experienced a loss of power to both engines shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The crew was able to successfully ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan. Reportedly, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. The aircraft reached an maximum altitude of about 3200 feet before it began to descend. After ditching, all five crew members and 150 passengers evacuated the aircraft. One passenger sustained serious injuries.

Ditching of a US Airways A320 on the Hudson River in New York (audio - MP3)
On 15 January 2009, a US Airways A320 experienced a loss of power to both engines shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The crew was able to successfully ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan. Reportedly, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. The aircraft reached an maximum altitude of about 3200 feet before it began to descend. After ditching, all five crew members and 150 passengers evacuated the aircraft. One passenger sustained serious injuries.

AirSafe.com's Airline Safety Review for 2008 (video - WMV)
The year 2008 had the fewest fatal airline crashes in any year since AirSafe.com began it's annual review of airline safety events in 1996. This 13th annual review discusses seven fatal airline events, and fifteen other significant events from 2008. As AirSafe.com looks back at the fatal and significant aviation safety events of last year, the most noticeable fact about this 13th annual review is that 2008 had fewer fatal airline events than any of the previous 12 years reviewed by AirSafe.com. The most was 19 fatal events in 1997, and the previous low was eight fatal events in 2003, 2006, and 2007.

AirSafe.com's Airline Safety Review for 2008 (video - M4V)
The year 2008 had the fewest fatal airline crashes in any year since AirSafe.com began it's annual review of airline safety events in 1996. This 13th annual review discusses seven fatal airline events, and fifteen other significant events from 2008. As AirSafe.com looks back at the fatal and significant aviation safety events of last year, the most noticeable fact about this 13th annual review is that 2008 had fewer fatal airline events than any of the previous 12 years reviewed by AirSafe.com. The most was 19 fatal events in 1997, and the previous low was eight fatal events in 2003, 2006, and 2007.

AirSafe.com's Airline Safety Review for 2008 (audio - MP3)
The year 2008 had the fewest fatal airline crashes in any year since AirSafe.com began it's annual review of airline safety events in 1996. This 13th annual review discusses seven fatal airline events, and fifteen other significant events from 2008. As AirSafe.com looks back at the fatal and significant aviation safety events of last year, the most noticeable fact about this 13th annual review is that 2008 had fewer fatal airline events than any of the previous 12 years reviewed by AirSafe.com. The most was 19 fatal events in 1997, and the previous low was eight fatal events in 2003, 2006, and 2007.

Crash of an F/A-18 Jet near San Diego (video - M4V)
Update on an 8 December 2008 crash involving a US Marine Corps F/A-18 jet based at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station which crashed during approch about two miles short of the runway. The pilot successfully ejected, but four people, including two children, their mother, and their grandmother were killed in one of the two houses destoyed by the jet. No one else on the ground was injured.

Crash of an F/A-18 Jet near San Diego (audio - MP3)
Update on an 8 December 2008 crash involving a US Marine Corps F/A-18 jet based at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station which crashed during approch about two miles short of the runway. The pilot successfully ejected, but four people, including two children, their mother, and their grandmother were killed in one of the two houses destoyed by the jet. No one else on the ground was injured.

Risks from Incapacitated Pilots and Pilots Who May Deliberately Crash Airplanes (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com reviews the investigation into a January 2008 incident where an Air Canada pilot became mentally incapacitated and had to be removed from the cockpit. Once the first officer was removed, the captain was able to safely land the aircraft. The event caused some in the aviation community to question whether this kind of incident may have led to serious problems in the past. While a review of the available incident and accident record by AirSafe.com revealed no proven cases of a mentally incapacitated pilot deliberately causing death or serious injury to passengers, there have been several cases where such behavior was suspected, and one case where a pilot crashed an airliner on purpose.

Interview on 'The Gregg Knapp Experience' - 18 November 2008 (audio - MP3)
This interview from the Radio America show The Gregg Knapp Experience focused on a TSA behavior detection program that singles out passengers for extra screening based on what the TSA describes as suspicious behavior. Since the program began in 2006, over 160,000 passengers were pulled aside for additional checks such as a pat-down search or an interivew. Less than one percent of those passengers were arrested, often on charges related to drugs or carrying false identification. The TSA didn't mention whether any of those searched or arrested were on any kind of terror watch list, or intended to commit a terrorist act. For more information about what passengers can do to deal with TSA security issues, please visit tsa.airsafe.org. There you'll a number of resources, including extensive information on current TSA rules, advice on packing, advice on traveling with duty free items such as alcohol and perfume, and links to airline complaint resources.

Complacency and the Qantas A330 Accident of 7 October 2008 (audio - MP3)
The accident earlier this month involving a Qantas Airbus A330 on a flight from Singapore to Perth seriously injured several passengers, but didn't result in any fatalities. The event drew substantial news media attention in Australia and Asia, but very little attention from major US media. Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com believes that this may be an example of how when it comes to airline events, it's difficult to get the attention of the US public, or of the policy makers in the US, if no one is killed, especially when there have not been any fatal airline events involving US airlines in over two years. The current 26-month period since the last fatal US event is the longest period without a passenger fatality on a US airliner since airlines in the US first began using jet aircraft in 1958. Dr Curtis suggests that there is always room for improvement, and one way to improve the system is to study the results of accident investigations, including the ongoing Qantas investigation. AirSafe.com provides links to that investigation at http://qantas.airsafe.org.

Interview with a Passenger on the Qantas A330 Accident Flight of 7 October 2008 (audio - MP3)
This show features an interview with Keesin Ng, a passengers on a Qantas A330 aircraft that experienced a violent in-flight upset during a flight from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008. About 75 passengers and crew members were injured during this event, with 14 hospitalized with serious injuries such as fractures and lacerations. The interview occurred three days after the event with passenger Keesin Ng, who provides additional details about the in-flight drama.

Serious Injuries on a Qantas A330 Flight on 7 October 2008 (video - WMV)
A Qantas Airbus A330-300, with 303 passengers and 10 crew members on board, was on a scheduled international flight from Singapore to Perth. While in cruise, the aircraft reportedly experienced some type of sudden and unexpected altitude change. The crew issued a mayday call before diverting the aircraft to the airport at Learmonth, near the town of Exmouth, about 1100 kilometers or 680 miles north of its intended destination of Perth. About 36 passengers and crew members were injured, with over a dozen severe injuries. AirSafe.com is providing additional information about the event is available at http://qantas.airsafe.org.

Serious Injuries on a Qantas A330 Flight on 7 October 2008 (video - M4V)
A Qantas Airbus A330-300, with 303 passengers and 10 crew members on board, was on a scheduled international flight from Singapore to Perth. While in cruise, the aircraft reportedly experienced some type of sudden and unexpected altitude change. The crew issued a mayday call before diverting the aircraft to the airport at Learmonth, near the town of Exmouth, about 1100 kilometers or 680 miles north of its intended destination of Perth. About 36 passengers and crew members were injured, with over a dozen severe injuries. AirSafe.com is providing additional information about the event is available at http://qantas.airsafe.org.

Serious Injuries on a Qantas A330 Flight on 7 October 2008 (audio - MP3)
A Qantas Airbus A330-300, with 303 passengers and 10 crew members on board, was on a scheduled international flight from Singapore to Perth. While in cruise, the aircraft reportedly experienced some type of sudden and unexpected altitude change. The crew issued a mayday call before diverting the aircraft to the airport at Learmonth, near the town of Exmouth, about 1100 kilometers or 680 miles north of its intended destination of Perth. About 36 passengers and crew members were injured, with over a dozen severe injuries. AirSafe.com is providing additional information about the event is available at http://qantas.airsafe.org.

Discovery of the Steve Fossett Crash Site (video - WMV)
On September 3rd, 2007, adventurer Steve Fossett took off from Yerington, Nevada on a short flight in a Bellanca Super Decathlon, and went missing. After more than a year, a hiker found some of his personal effects high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on September 29, 2008. Two days later, authorities spotted wreckage from his aircraft. Possible human remains were also found at the site. The aircraft crashed into a steep granite slope at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, seven miles west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The crash site is about 93 miles or 150 kilometers south of Yerington, Nevada. Pieces of the plane were scattered over a steeply sloped area, with the engine about 300 feet from the fuselage wreckage. There was also evidence of a post crash fire. Fossett was the only occupant.

Discovery of the Steve Fossett Crash Site (video - M4V)
On September 3rd, 2007, adventurer Steve Fossett took off from Yerington, Nevada on a short flight in a Bellanca Super Decathlon, and went missing. After more than a year, a hiker found some of his personal effects high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on September 29, 2008. Two days later, authorities spotted wreckage from his aircraft. Possible human remains were also found at the site. The aircraft crashed into a steep granite slope at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, seven miles west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The crash site is about 93 miles or 150 kilometers south of Yerington, Nevada. Pieces of the plane were scattered over a steeply sloped area, with the engine about 300 feet from the fuselage wreckage. There was also evidence of a post crash fire. Fossett was the only occupant.

Discovery of the Steve Fossett Crash Site (audio - MP3)
On September 3rd, 2007, adventurer Steve Fossett took off from Yerington, Nevada on a short flight in a Bellanca Super Decathlon, and went missing. After more than a year, a hiker found some of his personal effects high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on September 29, 2008. Two days later, authorities spotted wreckage from his aircraft. Possible human remains were also found at the site. The aircraft crashed into a steep granite slope at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, seven miles west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The crash site is about 93 miles or 150 kilometers south of Yerington, Nevada. Pieces of the plane were scattered over a steeply sloped area, with the engine about 300 feet from the fuselage wreckage. There was also evidence of a post crash fire. Fossett was the only occupant.

Fatal Jet Crash Injures Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker (video - WMV)
Travis Barker, former drummer for the music group Blink-182, Adam Goldstein, more widely known as DJ AM, and two other passengers were in a Learjet 60 aircraft that was on a chartered flight from Columbia, South Carolina to Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles. The crash, which happened shortly before midnight, occurred during takeoff. The crew was attempting to abort the takeoff because of what they thought was a blown tire. The NTSB also reported that accident investigators reviewing the recording heard sounds consistent with a tire blowout. The crew was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the runway. The plane struck a series of antennas and lights, crashed through a fence, crossed a nearby highway, and came to rest on an embankment where it burst into flames. The crash and subsequent fire killed both flight crew members and two of the four passengers. The two survivors, Barker and Goldstein, escaped the aircraft but suffered severe burns.

Fatal Jet Crash Injures Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker (video - M4V)
Travis Barker, former drummer for the music group Blink-182, Adam Goldstein, more widely known as DJ AM, and two other passengers were in a Learjet 60 aircraft that was on a chartered flight from Columbia, South Carolina to Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles. The crash, which happened shortly before midnight, occurred during takeoff. The crew was attempting to abort the takeoff because of what they thought was a blown tire. The NTSB also reported that accident investigators reviewing the recording heard sounds consistent with a tire blowout. The crew was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the runway. The plane struck a series of antennas and lights, crashed through a fence, crossed a nearby highway, and came to rest on an embankment where it burst into flames. The crash and subsequent fire killed both flight crew members and two of the four passengers. The two survivors, Barker and Goldstein, escaped the aircraft but suffered severe burns.

Fatal Jet Crash Injures Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker (audio - MP3)
Travis Barker, former drummer for the music group Blink-182, Adam Goldstein, more widely known as DJ AM, and two other passengers were in a Learjet 60 aircraft that was on a chartered flight from Columbia, South Carolina to Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles. The crash, which happened shortly before midnight, occurred during takeoff. The crew was attempting to abort the takeoff because of what they thought was a blown tire. The NTSB also reported that accident investigators reviewing the recording heard sounds consistent with a tire blowout. The crew was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the runway. The plane struck a series of antennas and lights, crashed through a fence, crossed a nearby highway, and came to rest on an embankment where it burst into flames. The crash and subsequent fire killed both flight crew members and two of the four passengers. The two survivors, Barker and Goldstein, escaped the aircraft but suffered severe burns.

Two Veteran Airline Captains Discuss the Crash of a Spanair MD82 (audio - MP3)
The previous podcast reviewed the initial findings from the Spanish accident investigation. The video version of the podcast also included portions of a security camera video that captured the final moments of the flight. This podcast features a discussion that was originally recorded on August 23rd, 2008, three days after the crash of the Spanair MD82, and featured Capt. Tom Bunn of the SOAR fear of flying organization, and Capt. Steve Fisher, a veteran airline pilot who has flown for a major US airline for over two decades.

Preliminary Findings: Crash of Spanair MD82 (video - WMV)
Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the preliminary findings in the investigation of the 20 August 2008 crash of a Spanair MD82 in Madrid. Spanish investigators reportedly found that the flaps were not properly configured for takeoff and that the crew flap configuration alarm was not activated. A video taken by the Spanish airport authorities also show that there was no indication of a fire or explosion while the aircraft was airborne.

Preliminary Findings: Crash of Spanair MD82 (video - M4V)
Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the preliminary findings in the investigation of the 20 August 2008 crash of a Spanair MD82 in Madrid. Spanish investigators reportedly found that the flaps were not properly configured for takeoff and that the crew flap configuration alarm was not activated. A video taken by the Spanish airport authorities also show that there was no indication of a fire or explosion while the aircraft was airborne.

Preliminary Findings: Crash of Spanair MD82 (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the preliminary findings in the investigation of the 20 August 2008 crash of a Spanair MD82 in Madrid. Spanish investigators reportedly found that the flaps were not properly configured for takeoff and that the crew flap configuration alarm was not activated. A video taken by the Spanish airport authorities also show that there was no indication of a fire or explosion while the aircraft was airborne.

Crash of Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 on 14 September 2008 (video - WMV)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 near Perm, Russia. There were 82 passengers and six crew on the aircraft. All 88 passengers and crew were killed, including six children and one infant.

Crash of Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 on 14 September 2008 (video - M4V)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 near Perm, Russia. There were 82 passengers and six crew on the aircraft. All 88 passengers and crew were killed, including six children and one infant.

Crash of Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 on 14 September 2008 (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Aeroflot-Nord 737-500 near Perm, Russia. There were 82 passengers and six crew on the aircraft. All 88 passengers and crew were killed, including six children and one infant

Airline Travel Issues and Hurricanes (video - WMV)
When hurricanes or tropical storms threaten the Gulf or Atlantic coastal areas of the US, passengers across the country may be affected. Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com reviews some of the steps that passengers should take if hurricane or tropical storm approaches.

Airline Travel Issues and Hurricanes (video - M4V)
When hurricanes or tropical storms threaten the Gulf or Atlantic coastal areas of the US, passengers across the country may be affected. Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com reviews some of the steps that passengers should take if hurricane or tropical storm approaches.

Airline Travel Issues and Hurricanes (audio - MP3)
When hurricanes or tropical storms threaten the Gulf or Atlantic coastal areas of the US, passengers across the country may be affected. Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com reviews some of the steps that passengers should take if hurricane or tropical storm approaches.

Crash of Spanair MD82: Comments from Capt. Patrick Smith (audio - MP3)
Two days after the crash of a Spanair MD82 on 20 August 2008, Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com interviewed Patrick Smith, an airline captain with a major US carrier and the author of the book "Ask the Pilot." They discussed several crash-related issues, including the quality of media coverage of the event, and provided some insights into what areas may be important in the ongoing investigation.

Crash of an Itek Air 737-200 on 24 August 2008 (Video - WMV)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Itek Air 737-200. The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Tehran, Iran. About 10 minutes after takeoff, the crew turned back to the departure airport and also reported some kind of technical problem, crashing short of the runway. There were about 83 passengers and seven crew on the aircraft, including 17 members of Kyrgyzstan's national basketball youth team. Seven team members reportedly survived. At least 65 of those on board, including five of the seven crew members, were killed.

Crash of an Itek Air 737-200 on 24 August 2008 (Video - M4V)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Itek Air 737-200. The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Tehran, Iran. About 10 minutes after takeoff, the crew turned back to the departure airport and also reported some kind of technical problem, crashing short of the runway. There were about 83 passengers and seven crew on the aircraft, including 17 members of Kyrgyzstan's national basketball youth team. Seven team members reportedly survived. At least 65 of those on board, including five of the seven crew members, were killed.

Crash of an Itek Air 737-200 on 24 August 2008 (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving an Itek Air 737-200. The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Tehran, Iran. About 10 minutes after takeoff, the crew turned back to the departure airport and also reported some kind of technical problem, crashing short of the runway. There were about 83 passengers and seven crew on the aircraft, including 17 members of Kyrgyzstan's national basketball youth team. Seven team members reportedly survived. At least 65 of those on board, including five of the seven crew members, were killed.

Crash of Spanair MD82 on 20 August 2008 (Video - WMV)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving a Spanair MD82 which crashed in Madrid, Spain on 20 August 2008 shortly after taking off on a scheduled domestic flight to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. There were 162 passengers and 10 crew members on board, and 153 of the 172 occupants were killed.

Crash of Spanair MD82 on 20 August 2008 (Video - M4V)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving a Spanair MD82 which crashed in Madrid, Spain on 20 August 2008 shortly after taking off on a scheduled domestic flight to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. There were 162 passengers and 10 crew members on board, and 153 of the 172 occupants were killed.

Crash of Spanair MD82 on 20 August 2008 (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses the fatal event involving a Spanair MD82 which crashed in Madrid, Spain on 20 August 2008 shortly after taking off on a scheduled domestic flight to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. There were 162 passengers and 10 crew members on board, and 153 of the 172 occupants were killed.

Secrets of AirSafe.com: Dealing with Legal and Social Realities (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis discusses how the laws of the U.S., particularly those dealing with free speech and copyright protection, have allowed AirSafe.com and other sites to flourish, and also how the availability of a variety of free services have allowed all who are online to be much more creative when it comes to producing and consuming online content.

Dr. Todd Curtis on the Discovery Channel (audio - MP3)
This show features a segment from the the Discovery Channel series "Survive This!" That segment featured the 21 September 2005 landing gear event involving a jetBlue A320 near Los Angeles. During the clip, Dr. Todd Curtis explains some of the factors that led to a dramatic, but safe end of the flight. The series "Survive This!" ran for one year during the 2007 season

Interview with Amanda Ripley, Author of "The Unthinkable" (audio - MP3)
This show features an interview with Time Magazine senior writer Amanda Ripley, Author of the book "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes And Why." Amanda has traveled the world, writing about and studying a number of disasters, including the attacks of 9/11, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She currently covers both risk and homeland security issues for Time Magazine.

Investigation Update for the Qantas 747 Decompression Event of 25 July 2008 (audio - MP3)
Dr. Todd Curtis reviews information from provided by Australian investigators that points to a aircraft systems failure as a possible cause of the explosive decompression event. Also, fear of flying expert Capt. Tom Bunn discusses the media's response to this incident.

Secrets of AirSafe.com: Key Technology Trends and How They Are Used (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis discusses key online technological innovations, including search engines, blogs, and subscription services, that have influenced how AirSafe.com changed over time to accommodate the needs of the audience.

In-Flight Emergency Involving a Qantas 747-400 Near Manila on 25 July 2008 (video - WMV)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the initial information about a Qantas rapid decompression event over the Pacific Ocean which led to a diversion to Manila. Dr. Curtis also discusses possible causes of the event, as well as selected previous episodes where an airliner had a decompression event coupled with a loss of part of the fuselage.

In-Flight Emergency Involving a Qantas 747-400 Near Manila on 25 July 2008 (video - M4V)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the initial information about a Qantas rapid decompression event over the Pacific Ocean which led to a diversion to Manila. Dr. Curtis also discusses possible causes of the event, as well as selected previous episodes where an airliner had a decompression event coupled with a loss of part of the fuselage.

In-Flight Emergency Involving a Qantas 747-400 Near Manila on 25 July 2008 (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis reviews the initial information about a Qantas rapid decompression event over the Pacific Ocean which led to a diversion to Manila. Dr. Curtis also discusses possible causes of the event, as well as selected previous episodes where an airliner had a decompression event coupled with a loss of part of the fuselage.

Secrets of AirSafe.com: A How-to Guide on Becoming an Internationally Recognized Expert (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis talks about how he has been able to get interviewed by major national and international news media organizations, and he describes how he used his experiences, credentials, and published works to attract the attention of producers and editors at newspapers, magazines, and television.

Secrets of AirSafe.com: How Visitors Use the Site (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis shares his observations of how visitors use the site, and how these traffic pattern continues to influence the content of the site. Research on media behavior around plane crashes, especially the events reported by the New York Times, was the basis of the original design of the site. After the site's launch, visitor traffic patterns and visitor feedback became the key factors that influenced site design and site content.

Secrets of AirSafe.com: Online Resources and Content Guidelines (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis discussed some of the key Internet resources that have made it possible to build and maintain an audience, and how those resources have changed over the years. In addition, he'll also talk about the criteria and guidelines that determine what kind of information shows up in the site.

Introducing the Secrets of AirSafe.com (audio - MP3)
AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curits reflects on the 12 years that AirSafe.com has been in operation, and introduces the "secrets" of AirSafe.com, which are the tools, insights, and lessons learned that have been key to the development of the site and its audience.

Crash of Patagonia Airlines Cessna Caravan in Chile on 7 June 2008 (video - WMV)
This show features an Al-Jazeera broadcast of the recovery of the surviving passengers four days after the crash. The only death was to the pilot, who died two days after the crash.

Crash of Patagonia Airlines Cessna Caravan in Chile on 7 June 2008 (video - M4V)
This show features an Al-Jazeera broadcast of the recovery of the surviving passengers four days after the crash. The only death was to the pilot, who died two days after the crash.

Crash of Patagonia Airlines Cessna Caravan in Chile on 7 June 2008 (audio - MP3)
This show features an Al-Jazeera broadcast of the recovery of the surviving passengers four days after the crash. The only death was to the pilot, who died two days after the crash.

Crash of a TACA Airbus A320 at Tegucigalpa, Honduras on May 30th, 2008 (video - WMV)
The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from San Salvador, El Salvador, to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The aircraft landed, overran the runway, went down an embankment, and struck several vehicles. One of the six crew members and two of the 118 passengers were killed. Two people outside the aircraft were also killed.

Crash of a TACA Airbus A320 at Tegucigalpa, Honduras on May 30th, 2008 (video - MP4)
The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from San Salvador, El Salvador, to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The aircraft landed, overran the runway, went down an embankment, and struck several vehicles. One of the six crew members and two of the 118 passengers were killed. Two people outside the aircraft were also killed.

The Roots of Fear of Flying with Capt. Tom Bunn and Lisa Hauptner (audio - MP3)
This show features two pioneers in the treatment of fear of flying, Captain Tom Bunn and Lisa Hauptner of SOAR fear of flying organization. These two experts, who are both trained therapists, reveal a number of surprising facts about fear of flying, including the roots of fear of flying and the fact that the fear is often only indirectly related to flying.

Crash of a TACA Airbus A320 at Tegucigalpa, Honduras on May 30th, 2008 (audio - MP3)
This initial report on the crash of a TACA A320 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The aircraft ran off the runway and hit several cars on a nearby road. Early media reports indicate that two passengers and the captain were killed, as well as an occupant in a car hit by the aircraft. This was the first fatal jet airliner event for TACA.

AAIB Investigation of British Airways 777 Crash 17 Jan 2008: Update 4 (video - WMV)
Second update on the ongoing investigation into the accident at London's Heathrow Airport involving a British Airways 777. This report is based on information released by the AAIB on 23 January 2008.