Weather, Airspeed, and Avoidable Tragedies: NTSB Lessons from LAX to Lake Placid

In Episode 14 of NTSB News Talk, hosts Max Trescott and Rob Mark analyze a series of recent NTSB preliminary and final reports that reveal how weather, fatigue, distraction, and airspeed management continue to play major roles in both near misses and fatal crashes. With their characteristic mix of insight and practicality, the two veteran aviation journalists connect the dots between accidents that could have been avoided — from runway confusion at LAX to a tragic Cessna 210 in-flight breakup in a thunderstorm.

The episode begins with a dramatic runway incursion at Los Angeles International Airport. An American Airlines A320 was forced to abort its takeoff at 145 knots when a Boeing 777 cargo jet accidentally turned onto the same runway. The controller, distracted and calling the wrong call sign several times, urged the cargo flight to “cross quickly,” which only compounded the confusion. Thanks to a quick-reacting Airbus crew and reliable communications on LiveATC.net, disaster was narrowly avoided. Rob and Max explain that high-speed rejected takeoffs are among the most dangerous maneuvers in aviation because they push brakes, thrust reversers, and pilot reflexes to their limits. They emphasize that even in this case — where no one was injured — such events underline how fatigue, communication errors, and poor situational awareness can converge in seconds at busy airports like LAX.

From there, the hosts shift to a string of recent fatal general aviation crashes, all with different aircraft and weather profiles but a common theme: loss of control in challenging conditions.

The first involved a TBM 700, N111RF, that crashed shortly after takeoff from New Bedford, Massachusetts, during poor weather associated with a nor’easter. The aircraft struck a car on Interstate 95, killing both people onboard. ADS-B data showed the plane leveled off at just 800 feet and remained below the cloud layer before descending out of control — possibly an example of a pilot hesitating to enter IMC, losing situational awareness in marginal VFR.

Next, they discuss a Beech Baron, N121GJ that went down near Williston, Florida. Three people were killed when the twin appeared to descend rapidly — over 3,500 feet per minute — just as thunderstorms moved through the area. With lightning reported nearby, the NTSB suspects weather penetration or turbulence led to the loss of control.

A third case, a Beechcraft King Air C90, N291CC, that crashed near Hicks Airfield in Texas, drew particular attention because it appeared to be a training flight. The aircraft had spent 90 minutes practicing approaches before a sudden, steep, left-turn descent at low altitude. ADS-B data showed the aircraft slowed below 100 knots, consistent with an aerodynamic stall, possibly during simulated engine-out training. Both pilots were killed. Max and Rob discuss how multi-engine training carries inherent risk, especially when one engine is feathered or throttled back. “Airspeed is life,” they repeat — a theme echoed throughout the episode.

In two preliminary reports, Max walks through additional lessons for pilots. A Sport Cruiser, N336SC, in Maine experienced an apparent engine failure, with witnesses reporting a loud pop before seeing the aircraft descending with its parachute only partially deployed. The host notes that parachute systems like