Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 16 hours ago
You had to be there to know the full story of the plane crash of USAir Flight 5050. John Goglia was, and he shares the experience.
Todd Curtis and John discuss the fatal 1989 crash of USAir Flight 5050 at La Guardia Airport in New York. John directly participated in the accident investigation as a mechanic with USAir. He shares accident investigation details well beyond the official report.
The extraordinary amount of media attention around the accident and the flight crew impacted the sequence of events. The reported “missing pilots” were only missing to the media, having been moved away from the scene by investigators to protect them from the frenzy. John also reveals how the media got recordings of investigation team status meetings.
Hear details behind key findings:
• Missing the left rudder in the checklist
• Misuse of the autobraking and auto throttle systems
• Crew fatigue and other human factors
John developed an ongoing relationship with the first officer on the flight, who became a fierce advocate for aviation safety. He notes that aviation disasters have a profound impact on the people involved.
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.
Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8
You had to be there to know the full story of the plane crash of USAir Flight 5050. John Goglia was, and he shares the experience.
Todd Curtis and John discuss the fatal 1989 crash of USAir Flight 5050 at La Guardia Airport in New York. John directly participated in the accident investigation as a mechanic with USAir. He shares accident investigation details well beyond the official report.
The extraordinary amount of media attention around the accident and the flight crew impacted the sequence of events. The reported “missing pilots” were only missing to the media, having been moved away from the scene by investigators to protect them from the frenzy. John also reveals how the media got recordings of investigation team status meetings.
Hear details behind key findings:
• Missing the left rudder in the checklist
• Misuse of the autobraking and auto throttle systems
• Crew fatigue and other human factors
John developed an ongoing relationship with the first officer on the flight, who became a fierce advocate for aviation safety. He notes that aviation disasters have a profound impact on the people involved.
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.
Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8
