Risky Choices Kill Overconfident Pilot – Episode 290

What’s the latest with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370)? The 777 disappeared over 11 years ago. John Goglia and Todd Curtis offer the latest details.

They also look at a 2023 crash of a Robinson R22 helicopter in rural Australia. The evening flight ended in tragedy when the pilot was killed when the helicopter crashed into trees at about 88 knots.

The helicopter was not equipped for night flying and lacked an artificial horizon. The pilot relied on a lighted helipad for guidance but could not see it because of smoke in the area due to controlled burns. Despite multiple radio calls reporting he could not see the lights, the pilot continued the flight.

This incident is a case of an overconfident pilot flying in conditions beyond his qualifications or experience. The pilot had flown at night before without proper qualifications, leading to complacency. The pilot took unnecessary risks by taking off at night without the proper equipment, experience, and judgment.

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Resources:

ATSB Aviation Occurrence Investigation Final Report AO-2023-058

ATSB Avoidable Accidents No. 7: Visual flight at night accidents

FAA Advice on advanced preflight procedures after maintenance