A Pilot's Accident Review: An In-Depth Look at High-Profile Accidents That Shaped Aviation Rules and Procedures

In A Pilot’s Accident Review, starting on the premise that we often learn best by reviewing the mistakes of others, author John Lowery compiles an in-depth analysis of high-profile—as well as some not so well-known—aviation accidents. He illustrates the potential dangers during each phase of flight and the psychology behind pilot error, effectively demonstrating how a chain of errors, often originating from a pilot’s support team, can lead to fatal crashes. Lowery discusses at length the JFK, Jr. and Concorde accidents, and those involving Frank Sinatra’s mother, Reba McIntire’s band, John Denver and Wiley Post.

A Pilot’s Accident Review provides pilots with a closer look at safety procedures in intense circumstances, such as flying through extreme weather or hazardous environments, and is designed to build awareness of the most preventable factors in pilot error—including the primary causes of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of control (LOC). Carefully reviewed are the human factors that can precipitate accidents—particularly complacency, overconfidence, and compulsion.

Most books that address aircraft accidents are written for accident investigators or government entities. Many organizations in the aviation industry make an effort to avoid discussing accidents directly, or show photos of wrecked or damaged aircraft. Instead, this book goes straight to the accidents' causes from a prevention viewpoint, in order to help pilots as well as investigators gain insight on them.

The author firmly believes that by understanding the factors that cause accidents, we can train to be safer, more effective pilots-in-command. This book is an ideal textbook addition to aviation safety, accident investigation, and human factors courses, yet is written in a clear and direct style that can speak to and benefit all kinds of fliers and aviation industry employees.