Flight Failure

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This book chronicles maintenance-related accidents stemming from negligence by individuals, corporations, or governments, highlighting the current state of the airline industry. The author, a former aviation engineer, explores how even minor part failures can lead to catastrophic airliner incidents, making complex mechanical issues accessible to non-technical readers. Through vivid accounts of accidents and near misses, he details the thorough investigations that follow to uncover the causes. Maintenance errors, a leading cause of airline accidents, are scrutinized, revealing alarming trends such as a decline in licensed mechanics, the closure of maintenance bases in the U.S., and the outsourcing of maintenance to low-cost contractors. This outsourcing has pushed many licensed mechanics into retirement or alternate careers, while those still working face job insecurity that undermines their loyalty and commitment. The Federal Aviation Administration, tasked with ensuring safety, is conflicted as it also seeks to maintain airline financial stability. This urgent call for enhanced airline safety standards underscores the necessity for meticulous attention to detail. The author advocates for increasing the number and job security of airline mechanics and granting them authority comparable to that of medical professionals.