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Cover image of Plane Crash
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Plane Crash

The Forensics of Aviation Disasters

George Bibel and Captain Robert Hedges

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Melding a pilot’s practical view of life in the cockpit with the expertise of an engineering professor to give readers an insider look at plane crashes.

One of the most amazing feats of modern life is the frequency with which airplanes safely take off and land: about 40,000 times a day in the United States alone. Commercial aviation is by far the safest mode of transportation and is becoming safer all the time. But on the exceedingly rare occasion that a plane does crash, comprehensive accident analysis, thorough investigation, and implementation of remedial actions significantly reduces the...

Melding a pilot’s practical view of life in the cockpit with the expertise of an engineering professor to give readers an insider look at plane crashes.

One of the most amazing feats of modern life is the frequency with which airplanes safely take off and land: about 40,000 times a day in the United States alone. Commercial aviation is by far the safest mode of transportation and is becoming safer all the time. But on the exceedingly rare occasion that a plane does crash, comprehensive accident analysis, thorough investigation, and implementation of remedial actions significantly reduces the probability of an already remote event ever recurring.

Plane Crash, an unprecedented collaboration between mechanical engineering professor George Bibel and airline Captain Robert Hedges, shares the riveting stories of both high-profile and lesser-known airplane accidents. Drawing on accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and simple diagrams to explain what went wrong in the plane and in the cockpit, Hedges provides invaluable insight into aviation human factors, while Bibel analyzes mechanical failures. No prior scientific knowledge is needed to understand the principles and procedures this book describes, only an interest in the view from what Captain Hedges describes as "the best seat in the house."

Organized around the phases of flight—takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and landing—this book is a captivating look at some of the most dramatic plane crashes of the modern age, including Asiana Airlines 214, Air France 447, and Malaysia Airlines 370. If you have ever wondered what goes through a pilot’s mind as a flight takes a turn for the dangerous, what impact turbulence actually has on flight safety, or even just how the wonders of aeronautics work to keep passengers safe day in and out, Plane Crash will both fascinate and educate.

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Reviews

Illuminating the vast knowledge, skill, and experience needed to be an effective pilot, Plane Crash also reveals the technical side of aviation and the split-second decisions pilots must make when things go wrong. This fascinating book will appeal to curious flyers.

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Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
328
ISBN
9781421424484
Illustration Description
15 b&w photos, 50 line drawings
Table of Contents

Preface
1. Takeoff!
2. Takeoff (Never Mind!)
3. Controlling the Plane
4. Vanished!
5. Practice Makes Perfect
6. Turbulence
7. The 168-Ton Glider
8. Approach
9. Landing
Epilogue
Notes
References
Index

Author Bios
George Bibel
Featured Contributor

George Bibel, Ph.D.

George Bibel, a former NASA summer faculty fellow, is a professor of mechanical engineering at the School of Engineering and Mines, University of North Dakota. He recently completed the Air Line Pilots Association Advanced Accident Investigation Course. He is the author of Plane Crash: The Forensics of Aviation Disasters and Train Wreck: The Forensics of Rail Disasters.
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