Controlled Substances & Mental Health Impacts on Aviation Safety - Episode 291

John Goglia, Todd Curtis, and Greg Feith discuss the details of a fatal R44 helicopter crash in Australia that involved a pilot who had been drinking and had suspected mental health issues. The pilot took off without permission and made several low-level passes over the city before crashing into a hotel. The ATSB accident investigation report included a detailed analysis of the flight and of the helicopter wreckage, but didn't provide details as to the level of the pilot's intoxication, the pilot's mental fitness or witness statements that may have shed some light on the pilot's state of mind. Greg discusses how flight instructors evaluate their students for changes in personality that may be a sign of an underlying problem. John shared his own experiences with maintenance professionals whose personal issues impacted their work. They examine this accident to understand how mental health issues may lead to behaviors that cause crashes. Investigations that look at effects of alcohol and other substances and what pilots did in the 72 hours leading up to an event can provide critical insight. The episode ends with a call to action: friends and coworkers should ask anyone they know who seems to be struggling about how they are doing and give them a chance to talk. And, if the situation gets worse, do what you must do to keep that person safe. 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 . Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.