Why Planes Crash

An Accident Investigator's Fight for Safe Skies

By: David Soucie, Ozzie Cheek

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Boarding an airplane strikes at least a small sense of fear into most people. Even though we all have heard that the odds of being struck by lightning are greater than the odds of perishing in a plane crash, it still doesn't feel that way. Airplane crashes might be rare, but they do happen, and they’re usually fatal. David Soucie insists that most of these deaths could be prevented. He’s worked as a pilot, a mechanic, an FAA inspector, and an aviation executive. He’s seen death up close and personal - deaths of colleagues and friends that might have been prevented if he had approved certain safety measures in the aircrafts they were handling. His years of experience have led Dave to become an impassioned consultant on the topic of airline safety. This includes not only advising the Obama administration, but also taking a leading role in the congressionally funded NextGen interdepartmental initiative in regards to both the department of transportation and the departments of defense, homeland security, FBI, CIA, and others. Find out the truth about airplane safety and discover what the future holds for air travel.

©2011 David Soucie (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Must Read for anyone who Travels by Air

Easy to listen to, not a dry technical approach to the subject. Its more of a autobiography about a man who has greatly impacted aviation safety, while taking some hard blows by people more interested in money then safety.
The narration is superb, the story is compelling, the only negative I can think of is the title of the book, which I fear will cause readers to think its a dry technical book.

If you fly, give it a try.

I enjoyed this book.

It's a good look into the issues in aviation at the time. Definitely makes me rethink flying.

A Soaring Achievement in Aviation Literature

David Soucie's "Why Planes Crash" is an extraordinary addition to aviation literature, offering a perfect blend of expert knowledge and engrossing storytelling. Soucie simplifies complex aviation phenomena, making them accessible for all readers. His narrative style is vivid and engaging, turning technical incidents into page-turning stories that enlighten and fascinate.

The book's narration superbly complements the subject matter, enhancing the reader's understanding and immersion. Soucie's deep respect for aviation and dedication to factual exploration add layers of authenticity and intrigue to his work.

"Why Planes Crash" is truly one of the best aviation reads in years. Its brilliant combination of educational content and captivating storytelling leaves you wishing for more as you turn the last page. A must-read for any aviation enthusiast and a rewarding journey for the curious reader.

Good Listen!

As an airplane flight instructor it’s nice to get an inside look of the FAA and the role of inspector and the authors viewpoint that most aviation accidents can be prevented really hits home.

Fascinatin evolution of a conscientious investigator

If you could sum up Why Planes Crash in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, informative, personal

What did you like best about this story?

This book is NOT really about plane crashes, per se, it is a story about one mans journey to make air travel safer. David Soucie is a flawed individual and does not tried to come off as anything else. Soucie is driven because of mistakes he personally have made and although he is the hero of the book (and does act heroically sometimes) he retains his humility throughout the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His investigation of the Hawaiian plane crash.

Any additional comments?

READ IT!

Far fetched

The safety concepts are good and a lesson for all of us. However, the stories throughout the book seem far fetched and in some cases simply not true. The more I listened the more I couldn’t shake the feeling that none of it was true. I eventually had to stop listening, which is a shame because there is importance in the book...but it’s masked by fables.

Question with No Answers

A biography of an interesting career. Short on information of actual plane crashes. Organization insights in the FAA and NTSB are sobering.

Not exactly what I expected.

Interesting story overall, but would have preferred more about actual aircraft accidents, and the ensuing investigations and findings.

Risk mitigation....paid with blood

Good read and excellent narration.
Book definitely highlights the DC circle jerk accurately. Very similar to the movie scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas...you kiss my a... you kiss his a.., you kiss his a.. etc.

Book is eye opening regarding the Tinas and Toms of the government bureaucracy, same people ignoring intel regarding 9/11 or COVID-19. Same folks who end up blaming everyone else during senate inquiries, or Congressional hearings.

Looked up Debra Entricken, and she is still in OK city. Being the best Tina she can. Thanks to Google her email can be found even though she is hiding best she can on Linkedin. That’s the problem in our society, it allows the Toms and Tinas to dig in like a tick and work hard to fight change...in turn cause lives to be ruined and good people like David Soucie to leave.

Average book

It doesn't go into technical details as much as I would like to hear; The book is more about author's life than safety. Some good stories though, like tictac man chapter.