Aviation News Talk Podcast

Max interviews Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB investigator, to discuss the accident investigation process, in relation to the DC midair collision. Jeff explains ICAO Annex 13, the international standard that guides accident investigations worldwide. He details the NTSB’s congressional mandate to investigate every civil aviation accident and explains their resource constraints, which often require FAA inspectors to assist. The conversation covers the NTSB’s investigative process, including the launch of a GO team for major accidents, the role of accredited representatives, and the importance of securing accident sites. Jeff discusses the retrieval and analysis of cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, along with the increasing role of passenger electronics in investigations. Max and Jeff also touch on the psychological toll of accident investigation, the impact of high-profile crashes near Washington, D.C., and the importance of avoiding premature conclusions. Jeff shares insights into his