About this episode
Episode 73 Airports are humming again with COVID restrictions being lifted. That has John and Greg talking about commercial airline safety. The focus of this episode is maintenance lessons learned from the 1979 American Airlines DC10 accident in Chicago . Greg was just coming on board NTSB when the investigation began and John knows several of the key players involved. The DC10 involved had recently had maintenance done that required removal of the engine. The work compromised the pylon arm that comes out from the wing to the top of the engine. The engine fell off on takeoff just 10 days later. John and Greg walk through the accident and key findings. They also talk about safety recommendations that were never implemented. Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount! Photo: Elwood Driver of NTSB shows the nut and bolt that broke on American Airlines Flight 191, causing the engine to fall from the DC-10, May 27, 1979. Driver was holding a press conference at the Sheraton O'Hare Hotel, showing a fatigue fracture of the pylon bolt. (Don Casper/Chicago Tribune/TNS) 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.