The NTSB database has just 74 events involving suicide and the focus of this discussion is the only one that involves a passenger rather than a pilot. The event took place in 2000, when a passenger on a Twin Otter plane intentionally opened the emergency exit door in flight.
As we enter the holiday season, this accident is a reminder of the additional pressures many people experience. The Flight Safety Detectives ask everyone in aviation to be especially diligent.
In this case, another passenger saw the person open the door and tried to keep her from exiting the aircraft. Recent years have shown that unusual things can and will happen on aircraft.
John and Todd discuss the importance of acting when you see something that isn’t right. They wonder how many aviation safety issues have been averted due to the quick actions of someone who noticed something and did something about it.
Related documents at the Flight Safety Detectives website:
- NTSB Final Report (PDF)
- NTSB Public Docket (PDF)
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.
Drugs Impact Aviation Safety and WTF Segment Begins
Emergency Response in Aviation - Episode 47
Propellers and Air Safety
Icing on Aircraft Lessons from the Crash of AE 4184
Revisiting the Crash Scene of American Eagle Flight 4184
NTSB Still Not Onsite, CO Pilot Makes Up the Rules
Is the NTSB Obsolete?
Episode 41 - End of a Long Day and Weather Add Up to Disaster
Assumptions and Expectations Can Kill
Accident Shows Importance of Pilot and Mechanic Communication
Merion Air Disaster Revisited
Minute-by-Minute Examination of ValuJet Flight 592’s Electronic Witness
The Right Stuff: What It Takes to Be a Great Pilot
Flying Safely Is an Obligation Not to Take Casually
Time to Apply PRIA Standards Inside the Hangar
The Discipline Needed for Aviation Safety
Mask Over the Mask? More COVID Airline Challenges Surface
Time for Manufacturers to Put Safety Over Profits
Backstories from ValuJet Flight 592 Crash Investigation
The Cost of Flight Safety
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Next Trip - An Aviation and Travel Podcast
Layovers - Air Travel podcast
Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk
Fighter Pilot Podcast
Pilot’s Discretion from Sporty’s