Aviation Skills Save Harrison Ford – Episode 147

Rapid decision making and impressive aviator skills saved Harrison Ford from a deadly result in a 2015 air crash. The Flight Safety Detectives review the facts that show that Ford had a clear plan and was decisive as he dealt with engine failure shortly after takeoff in his vintage plane.

Ford quickly determined that returning to the Santa Monica airport would not work. He landed on a golf course. The hard impact caused him serious injury but no one on the ground was hurt.

“Harrison Ford did everything right. He was mentally prepared and was able to put the aircraft down safely,” Greg Feith says.

The NTSB report shows clear evidence of Ford’s training and aviation skill. It also documents a defect with the engine carburetor that led to the loss of engine power.

Do antique planes still in use need more detailed maintenance procedures for continued airworthiness? The detectives suggest this might be one way to compensate for older maintenance manuals that are brief and incomplete.

Listen for aviation safety takeaways for pilots and aircraft mechanics from this Harrison Ford accident.

Related documents at the Flight safety Detectives website

• Public Docket


• NTSB airframe and engine examination


• Director of operations statement


• NTSB final report


• NTSB factual report

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Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8