Accident Case Study: Risk Stacking

It’s a cold spring morning on April 13, 2022, when a cargo pilot in a Cessna 208 Caravan departs Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. Her IFR flight plan takes her 133 nautical miles to the northwest, where she plans to fly the RNAV Runway 20 approach into Burley, Idaho.
Join the AOPA Air Safety Institute as we examine the circumstances that led to a tragic outcome during the GPS approach at Burley Municipal Airport. We look at several risk factors - including weather conditions and a factory's steam stacks located below the flight path, close to the runway threshold - that turned out lethal during the final descent.
ASI’s Accident Case Studies seek to share critical lessons to make us all safer pilots.
Apply credit to your ASI transcript for watching this video: bit.ly/ACSRiskStackingCert
NOTE: The video states that a new NOTAM has been issued for the Burley airport. Technically, it is a “Letter to Airmen” that was issued through the FAA’s NOTAM system. This LTA may not be found through all means of accessing NOTAMs, such as ForeFlight. We apologize for the discrepancy.
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[@jimbobinfanger2903]

Just so there are not any questions about the validity of the video, every parent knows their child’s voice. The pilots voice you hear is my daughters voice, and the last words from her.

[@davidvancina4478]

Very sorry for your tragic loss, sir. Words are insufficient...

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

@@davidvancina4478 Only someone who has gone through this understands the pain and loss,

[@WilliamWBG]

I am so sorry for your loss. You daughter was beautiful and smart. I don’t know why, but from the first time I heard about this accident a year ago, it has really bothered me and I’m not even a pilot. I cannot believe that smoke stacks were allowed right in front of an airport in a cold climate no less. I’m not one to sue, but this is one situation I hope you can seek legal justice.

[@Puddin_Pi]

I can’t imagine your pain. Sincere condolences to you, sir.

[@CameronMagee]

I am so sorry for your tragic loss.

[@blancolirio]

The design of the approach coupled with the FAA approval of Potato factory steam stacks was an accident waiting to happen. The stacks and the increase in height of the stacks should have never been approved by the FAA. This Approach should have NOT been approved by the FAA.

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

Thanks for watching, Juan.

[@blancolirio]

@@AirSafetyInstitute Thanks for posting!

[@Byzmax]

Yes, its as simple as that. There should never be any man made obstacle in line with the runway that comes anywhere close to the glide slope. What happens if you have an engine failure on approach or departure in that direction? Utter madness and incompetence that took the life of someone who at worst, possible deviated slightly from an approach path. At best, she did nothing wrong. I hope the FAA the airport and the potato factory admit their failings. Unlikely I know.

[@nathand.9969]

So what do you think the solution is? I personally would suggest: 1. A minimal use of eminent domaine to move the stacks to the side of the approach path (city pays to demolish and rebuild the stacks in a safer location) 2. Clearer warning on the approach of the stacks and maybe a higher MDA 3. A displaced threshold on the runway approach end that has the stacks

[@mmayes9466]

Can always go around and/or divert. Choose wisely.

[@57Jimmy]

The narrator of these videos is absolutely the BEST! He clearly explains all the factors facing the pilot and says it with the most respectful and caring tone I have ever heard!

[@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking]

Yes. If the United States Chemical Safety Board (excellent videos, check them out!) ever need a new narrator - apply for the job!

[@ObsidianFrog]

Great virtue signalling there Jimmy ! You get a GOLD STAR ⭐️ !!!

[@user-ih1mo8vv7o]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@porkinsjunior]

Brittney was a friend of mine and a colleague in flight school. Thank you for making this video and being so respectful.

[@MadSocial]

My condolences to you for your friend.

[@XBKLYN]

This one was a real heart breaker...hard to watch to the end.

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

My dad flew jet fighters. Both F4 and F16 for many years! Then flew Decathalon and much more for a few thousand hours. He was the Tom cruise of the real world of flying. He and his beat friend got killed flying into and airport they had never been to. It broke something in my heart when he died. Sorry for the loss of this lady.!

[@Kaijuus]

Well accordingly to this report. She really doesn't know how to fly properly. If you were from the same flight school, the FAA should make all of you to get relicensed. You are a hazard to yourself and other pilots.

[@Vincent-nt9tx]

Condolences and may her soul rest in peace. I can only imagine what was on Brittney's mind when she did the 2nd approach with so many conditions stacking against her. Thank for you making the video very respectfully!

[@flightinsight9111]

This series has represented the gold standard for years. A 3.75° VDA with minimums only 400 feet above ground, and obstacles in the visual segment is a tough approach to say the least. Throw a steam plume in on short final and it's one of the riskier ones out there. There are only subtle hints on the chart about the risks like the absence of the stipple as was mentioned.

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

Thanks for the kind words, Dan.

[@mwp1088]

Dan just did a video about almost this exact topic, I was doing to tag @flightinsight here because he mentioned many of these subtle clues on an IFR approach to indicate its non-standard. Thanks as always AOPA for these videos!

[@FlyingShotsman]

Indeed. FAA should be ashamed of themselves for using the +absence+ of a symbol to indicate the higher-risk scenario on an approach chart. When an obstacle or terrain make a constant-descent approach impossible, that's when a symbol should be added, not removed. Having the stipple present for the low-risk scenario and removing it for high-risk is foolish in the extreme.

[@ahmadsamadzai8255]

The two voices I really enjoy listening to on Yt. Air safety institute and flight insight. You two have helped millions of people become better and learn. Thank you.

[@buckmurdock2500]

@@FlyingShotsman A constant angle descent is possible on this approach and it's depicted on Jepp charts. I think you might be confusing two concepts.

[@gwilewiczjr]

Can we just give a shout out to the production squad? These are always produced beautifully. Grabs me in, every time. Keep up the good work.

[@CCitis]

MSFS

[@frugalsolutions]

The title is very fitting too

[@N942UW]

Agreed. The graphic overlays, narration, everything put together so well.

[@cerealkiller5983]

The narrated computer simulations are what makes this series so invaluable

[@execatty]

truly wish they did these all the time. so professional

[@drzoltanvajo142]

All accidents are sad, but this is especially heart breaking. Rest is peace, Brittany!

[@engineerahmed7248]

FAA approval granter for smoke stacks & not issuing heads up warning in bold deserves a death sentence ...& we must make sure he gets it Britney deserves here revenge

[@compphysgeek]

I mean no disrespect and actually, I thought it was heart breaking, too, but why is this case especiallly heart breaking?

[@LostieTrekieTechie]

​@@compphysgeek perhaps because of how avoidable it could have been.

[@danielshannon6027]

And that she was beautiful.

[@justinrodgers6305]

A potato plant that puts out a giant cloud of steam above a tall smoke stack right on final approach. What a genius idea…

[@rc70ys]

It worked for many many years prior We can’t go on blaming everyone else. It was pilot error and time pressures. I’m sorry for her loss 😢

[@baylokcommanderoftheflagsh9424]

the most expensive video on KZbin, because you are saving lives by watching what mistake others have made that cost them their lives. RIP good pilot and condolences to the family, keep up the good work ASI in helping us pilots learn to fly safely.

[@Frank-4v]

I never knew that about the grey "stipple" indicating clear line of sight from the MDA. That's good to know.

[@ricardotoledo6510]

Would be useful to know where one could find that in the AIM? I never knew that either, if anyone knows please share.

[@Yossarian147]

@@ricardotoledo6510 Aeronautical Chart User's Guide, p. 115 in the Feb '23 edition. This was a new bit of knowledge for me too, and I'm a CFII.

[@kristensorensen2219]

The devil is in the details!! This one a clear hazard indicated if you understood why and used that knowledge to alter your short final. ERAU 80 CFIA&I ret.

[@boeingpilot7002]

Having used Jepps for my entire aviation career, the "stipple" was news to me, too.

[@bryanhubbell1513]

@@Yossarian147 Thank you. I've been out of the cockpit for some time, so I was wondering whether this was a relatively new development on approach charts, or I had just been missing it for my entire career.

[@Gilliganfrog]

Damn. Usually these videos present pilots making several bizarrely reckless, obviously foolish decisions. This case seems different. The pilot was careful, intelligent, communicative, extremely competent, and totally by-the-book: so much so that as I watched I started growing anxious wondering WHY (and where & when & how) the accident was going to happen, whereas usually these videos lack suspense because you can see the glaring mistakes quickly accumulating. By contrast the mistakes in this case were subtle, the risk-stacking was insidious, and the outcome uncertain. This is one of the scariest reconstruction presentations I've seen, and I'm deeply sorry this pilot lost her life.

[@MichaelChapmanVisuals]

Exactly my thoughts as well... very well said. So very sad.

[@InfinityBassCannon]

I saw this specific aircraft often when doing flight training in Utah. Tragic accident. I agree with the other commenters that the steam stacks should never have been allowed to be built so close and so high right next to the final. I can also easily see how one could miss the clues mentioning the obstacles while flying single pilot IFR under a high workload.

[@rabidbigdog]

It really is extraordinary that either the runaway alignment or factory were approved in that way.

[@nathand.9969]

@@rabidbigdog I wonder if the pilot's family are gonna sue the factory or the FAA.

[@iam9991000]

Nice profile pic, love that game.

[@dannye4562]

This same aircraft and pilot flew into Logan were I work and train many times.

[@1978garfield]

I wonder who was there first, potato plant or airport?

[@ryanheywood9590]

Brittney is my cousin and was one of the happiest, most caring, and optimistic girls I know. It pains me to watch this video. I’m a professional pilot of 8 years with my ATP flying as a captain on a private jet. The fact that the dangers of the smoke stacks and towers for the Burley airport weren’t on any NOTAMS or approach plates at the time and are currently only listed on “Letter to Airmen” is wrong in so many ways. Not many pilots use “Letter To Airman” or no where to find them. In order to take a proactive approach at letting others know about the dangers of this airport, it needs to actively be placed in both active NOTAMS and approach plates the dangers of the smoke stacks on the potato plant. Just having it on Letter to Airmen isn’t near enough to make other pilots aware of these dangers. This needs to be addressed and changed immediately and a more proactive approach needs to taken to prevent these kinds of accidents from occurring at Burley in the future. How come nothing is being done?

[@cozysouth]

Nothing will be done until costly litigation forces it to be. That’s the way it works.

[@stephenauty2402]

So sorry for your loss.She certainly seemed calm and collected prior to the crash . As a pilot also , do you think the vertical plume of steam could have given her the impression of the actual runway ? In the simulated film it certainly looks like it to me. Regardless what a crazy planning decision to put those dead centre of the runway.

[@gusmc01]

Good God, those stacks aren't just close to the approach track to the runway, they are dead center on the final approach path. What a dangerous scenario, and with limited visibility the danger is compounded. As we too often see, someone had to lose their life before any action is taken. My condolences to the family for their loss. May this beautiful young woman rest in peace.

[@curtmurphree4492]

She was at or above the visibility approach minimums, data shows even better visibility reported at the airport on her second approach. The discussion of risk stacking is valid to all pilots but the safety of this approach goes from acceptable risk to unacceptable in a matter of seconds because of the HUGE variability of the plant steam that is produced intermittently and at varying quantities (16 different steam stacks). The reported airport visibility is meaningless when the steam cloud rapidly develops in front of you in less than 0.5 miles from the end of the runway. How do you plan for that? Old Faithful at the end of the runway would be much easier to manage because the eruption intervals are generally known. Did she make the decision to do the second approach because there was no steam cloud when she did the first approach? There should not be a steam emitting plant that is deadly roulette for pilots at the end of this runway. Let's get some sanity and move the airport or move the plant. The FAA should eliminate this instrument approach, and runway 20 / 2 should be closed immediately. Otherwise, pilots put their lives in danger.

[@Codehead3]

They’ve tried to move the airport but they’ve had no success. Something has to be done though or this will inevitably happen again.

[@mmayes9466]

91.175(c)(2) says flight visibility, not reported visibility. 1 mile is more than adequate to see and avoid obstructions.

[@Argosh]

​@@mmayes9466 this approach is mental... No way around that. Having a major obstacle like this on an IFR approach is unforgivable.

[@buckmurdock2500]

@@Argosh there's 1000's of instrument approaches around the country where obstacles penetrate the 34:1 surface plane. Should those approaches be decommissioned? I fly to an airport everyday where 2 of the 3 GPS approaches would be impacted.

[@AlkalineGamingHD]

@@Argosh 'Bout to say even VRF I piss myself seeing large towers near runways. Could only image how "rolling the dice" it must of felt in IFR

[@LanceRichards-ot1jr]

Thank you AOPA your safety foundation for releasing this video. I think it was extremely well done. There is just a couple points in my opinion that were omitted or not discussed in depth, which I believe are more likely the probable cause of this accident. The determination letter from the FAA in 2017 about the airport that was referenced in the video was only reference partly, as there are conditions that had to be met for the airport to be deemed safe, which were not met. The bigger issue in my mind are the plumes of steam. The steam that comes out of those stacks is 1500°F according to a factory employee, and according to the AIM, which was referenced in the video this can be extremely hazardous to Flight. AIM 7-5-15 states “ high temperature, exhaust plumes can cause significant air disturbances, such as turbulence and vertical shear. It further states that some studies predict that the significant turbulent affects can extend to a height of over 1000 feet above the stack or cooling tower(the stacks at Burley are 65 feet below the instrument glide path). And I believe that the steam released had a significant effect on the lift and performance of the aircraft at the most critical phase of flight on the approach near the runway. The wind at the time was blowing the steam directly into her flight path at 12 kts. The surveillance video of the crash, as well as eyewitness reports state that she spooled up the engine right before impact, because I believe she lost lift, in a steam cloud, she could not see because she was IMC. She did not get low on the approach, she lost lift. The interment approach should be removed immediately from Burley airport before this happens to another.

[@marknovak9310]

@@crjlife_9082 I agree. Time to remove this approach----obvious that it should have never been written----crazy bad.

[@Heatherder]

I disagree. The steam is likely already at ambient temperature by the time its 50’ from the stack. She may have iced or stalled it in?

[@LanceRichards-ot1jr]

@@Heatherder we all have our opinions, and atmospheric experts disagree with yours, hence the reason it is in the AIM. Common sense would say that steam would no longer be visible if it was at ambient temperature, however steam remains present for some time after it is randomly released, especially when it is super heated steam. However I am no expert in this field.

[@deanroczen2036]

@@Heatherder the fact that the plumes extend beyond 50' discredits your theory....

[@scose]

why is 1500 degree steam needed to process potatoes?

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

NOTE: The video states that a new NOTAM has been issued for the Burley airport. Technically, it is a “Letter to Airmen” that was issued through the FAA’s NOTAM system. This LTA may not be found through all means of accessing NOTAMs, such as ForeFlight. We apologize for the discrepancy.

[@JasonFlorida]

Seems like a good way to avoid legal fees in the future for the airport/county

[@Lerxstification]

Careful, the woke police and Mayor Pete will come for you. Isn't it now called a "Letter to Air missions?"

[@Av-vd3wk]

More like WHY…WHY do we allow to have Steam stacks on path to runway!? Or, WHY, is there an airport inline with Stacks!???? Like come on…this was bound to happen. Set this girl up for an impossible situation in especially such poor weather.

[@sintillate1913]

Thank you for the correction. I actually went looking for it in Foreflight before reading this. It would be nice if LTA's were more accessible if they contain critical safety information like this. How many pilots search for all relevant LTAs before planning their flights?

[@mikecournoyer]

@@sintillate1913 the answer is none of us. Like many I look at the NOTAMS and maybe the AF/D.

[@CascadiaAviation]

Wow the increase in density altitude from the steam is a fascinating theory. Rest In Peace to this pilot.

[@buckmurdock2500]

@@Pratik4311 My first thought is "why is a pilot in IMC while below MDA?"

[@randallthomas5207]

Reading through the comments, I feel it is important to state a couple of things: First the airport predates the potato plant by about fifty years. The airport, was originally an emergency landing field during WW-II. After the war, it was given to the County and city of Burley, who are now responsible for the operation. Second, the potato processing plant is across the river in a neighboring county. The airport board has protested the processing plant from the beginning. But the county across the river, has all control of planning and zoning on their side of the river. Finally the airport board, has no means to control the construction, operation and control of the processing plant. The plant was built below the approach clearance zone against the airport operators wishes. And expanded into the approach clearance zone, against the wishes of the airport. And, quite frankly the person to sue is probably the design engineer for the steam stack. Engineers have a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to consider safety first. I date myself with this but, I was taught an ethical standard of considering the safety in teh order of Mankind, Society, Client, then self. The engineer who designed the stack height increase violated their ethical obligation, when they put the desires of their client, ahead of those of the general society, and created an unsafe condition. It has been a while since I have designed anything near enough to an airport or landing strip, that I have had to reread teh standards. But, it used to be: start at the end of the runway exclusion, and project a prism, outward for two miles, which has a slope on the bottom of 15-degrees, and outward in both directions of 15-degrees. That is the exclusion zone. You do not deign anything which will protrude into it with out clearance from the FAA. I think the first time the FAA knew of the intrusion, was when tehy came to do a physical inspection, and saw it. The FAA has no authority to make teh plant owner remove the stack, and took the only punitive action they could, and withheld Federal funding from the airport. They did fail to let pilots know of that action, and that is why they share some of the culpability.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

@Rendall Thomas , I thoroughly agree with what Your assessment of the cause of this accident , and who decided to build illegal high structures that close and directly inline with the airport runway 20 approach path, as per CFR 14 part 77... Especially the tall steam stacks, and the un-lit tower that the plane actually hit... The GEM potato processing plant should be required by the county, and federal regulations , to completely REMOVE that entire illegally installed facility and relocate it to another area that complies with CFR 14 part 77 concerning navigable airspace surrounding existing airports.... I hope that a civil lawsuit will also be filed against the builders of that processing plant for not abiding by Federal Regulations CFR 14 part 77, concerning the VIOLATION of navigable airspace of that airport that was already there...

[@buckmurdock2500]

@@michaelmartinez1345 exactly which reg in Part 77 was violated?

[@billloesch1884]

Hi Randall Thomas, There is no shortage of players who should get credit for this accident. Communication probably heads the list. My compliments for illuminating the proper/ethical role of the engineer. The neighboring county also put their needs (taxes/income) above safety. Enlightening that the federal agency safety concerns is not able to overrule the county agency. Also enlightening that the interim solution is not to use either of the other two WWII runways for an approach. Keep up the good work, Bill Loesch, old school PE

[@michaelmartinez1345]

@@buckmurdock2500 it pretty much lays out what Randall Thomas mentioned here, as far as navigable airspace is concerned for incoming/outgoing aircraft, but it also INCLUDES something that was NOT mentioned by Randall... An area known as a 'Crash Zone' that must be kept clear of ANY inhabited buildings at BOTH ends of a runway... Those were violated by the potato plant people as well... This is going to hurt....Hopefully the prices of potato products won't go up too much because of this... That would force U.S. to buy them from another one of the several potato processing plants competing for that slot....

[@SGTSnakeUSMC]

Maybe if they lose enough stacks/money, they'll move them.

[@slayercessna9352]

The most perfect narrating voice that there ever could be for documentary that are so intriguing, sad, and informative at the same time. I learn a lot frome these.

[@TCB-1]

This series should be a standard in new pilot training. Simple verbiage, great video production, and respectful to the deceased. Though I hate terribly seeing another pilot/crew/passenger fatality, I throughly enjoy seeing another installment in the series. Also a big shout out to the narrator. Great voice and inflection.

[@joelleerickson2642]

This is one of the most haunting ASI Case Studies yet. The pilot was about my age, experience level, sounds like me, and flying in actual IMC... something I do with some regularity as a CFII in the Pacific Northwest. How many tiny-footnote obstacles populate the path between the MDA and threshold on the approaches I fly? I will look now, instead of finding out the hard way in 1sm visibility.

[@mikearakelian6368]

What other approaches are available?(don't have current plates available)

[@mmayes9466]

@@mikearakelian6368 VOR-A

[@MarkJoseph81]

"Spring weather in Idaho Is often unpredictable..." Born, raised, and living still in Idaho here, I can attest to this 100%!

[@justinjwolf]

Yeah, I've lived and flown all over the northwest and I smiled, thinking it should've just been "Weather in Idaho is unpredictable."

[@renaissanceman4054]

Nice video. I'm glad you're still doing this series, it's one of the best in the genre

[@henrymethorst9108]

This production value is outstanding. Keep this series alive. Important for aviators to learn from mistakes of others.

[@brianstaude2783]

Reading, reviewing all incident/accident reports can only increase your awareness. This channel certainly helps toward that goal.

[@tristansulzberger396]

Thank you AOPA for another accident case study. I love them and they are life saving for us pilots. Please never stop doing them!

[@urhiredhr421]

I earned my private license at the age of 17. Today, I'm 67. I never stepped out of a VFR flight because I had too much respect for mother nature and only enjoy clear, non turbulent days of flight. I would have issues with those stacks even on a perfect day! I've just never wanted to be in a poor weather situation. For me, private flying was all about clear skies, tons of touch and go's and then owning an amphibious Searey.

[@Etli]

Thank you Air Safety Institute for creating such high quality videos. Specifically, the narrator delivers information so that it’s easily understood. Great work.

[@scottamolinari]

Aside from the "stacks" issue, these videos are great because they also give tips on things us pilots might not know or remember, bringing them back to light and hopefully sticking the knowledge into our heads not to forget. I watch these videos for these tips just as much as I do for the overall lesson being conveyed. Well done!

[@madelinescafe8573]

These videos are very well done. Very informative. Please keep making them!

[@michailhack4170]

Thank you for taking the time to detail the factors causing this tragic accident.

[@rfcdgaf]

I could probably watch thousands of these videos, and im not even a pilot. Fascinated, incredible effort in production quality. Keep it up aop

[@MechaNintendoMast]

That plant with stacks that actively reduce visibility of the runway was such and obvious risk, that was graveyard mandating there.

[@AgonxOC]

AOPA ASI, thank you for publishing these videos and analysis’ of the accidents. They are always very informative and provide more tools to the ADM tool box no matter the pilot skills/levels.

[@MWFBULL1]

Thank you for returning to this format. It is much easier to follow.

[@turboromy]

I'm a VFR pilot with limited IFR training. For a few seconds at 6:37, I thought smoke along with two blinking lights was the runway, even though it looks a bit strange. I would have followed it momentarily. Hope that smoke stacks are removed.

[@steveo1kinevo]

Another great video for pilots to watch and a lot of things to learn from this tragedy.

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

Thanks for watching, Steveo!

[@colin-nekritz]

These are sooo good, my fave flight education video series, amazing narrator, graphics, editing, and lessons to learn.

[@x88orbital]

Another sad loss. Thank you ASI for your amazing work. And the masterful narrator, a golden voice for this

[@daveinthewildOG]

Amazing presentations every time. Best on the net.

[@BlueBaron3339]

Crucial concept there, risk stacking. As with the accident chain it's not a matter of a moment gone awry as people tend to believe. A bit awkward in the telling here, given that there were other *stacks* involved. And it's not easy to listen to the recorded voice of someone who's about to die. But these videos are invaluable. Thank you.

[@richardmcspadden9189]

It is the real pilot’s voice.

[@LanceCampeau]

Its always bittersweet to see these videos pop up in my feed.... I know I will learn something important... but also that often someone paid for that knowledge with their life. RIP to all pilots that have been lost. Just a small gesture for such a large sacrifice.

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

I agree

[@krognak]

These videos are a fascinating and sobering experience, I hope the narrator sticks around - such a warm but cautionary tone and no obnoxious music or embellishments.

[@bschultz8219]

The grandfather of aviation KZbin provides us with essential knowledge yet again. Thank you for making everyone who watches these videos safer pilots.

[@josephdale69]

So excited to see another one of these after so long. These are my favorite part of the channel. Not what happened, but how much I can learn. The narrator is also wonderful.

[@GabeRave]

Whenever I see one of these new videos come out, I suspend everything I am doing to watch it. I love them. Keep up the good work!

[@FamilyPilot]

Always well done ASI. Appreciate your professionalism in the pursuit to improving air safety which unfortunately often leaves us learning from regrettable incidents... Horrible for the families and loved ones affected by this incident.

[@JRomanMD]

I loved this documentary. Well done with production!

[@GA-in4mw]

Brittney Infanger, Fly to the sky fellow pilot, condolences to the family

[@Flying_fisher]

Flew freight in the van for years. Not a fancy G1000 like this one, but still. It's a solid airplane and we flew it into some really nasty weather. Been sitting in the same seat, not an easy job. I wonder if the lights of the stacks (White) could have tricked her into thinking they were REIL. I've descended below MDA before after seeing what I thought was the VASI, but turned out it was a gas station price board, illuminated with the gas in red and three white prices. Made a missed approach and I'm still here, wish she'd have been as lucky.

[@alexanderwilliams-hoffman5436]

Always fascinating to watch these. Thanks for the great production quality.

[@afreightdogslife]

This was a sad loss of a young aviatrix. A sad loss to her family, colleagues, and to her friends, indeed.

[@CCitis]

MSFS is a great recreational sim, and a visualization tool!

[@KevenButler-ey3kb]

This does a good job explaining the “stacking “ of independent issues that significantly increased the probability of a significant event. The video helps those unfamiliar with the problems at the Burley airport see the big picture.

[@joevoss335]

Glad these are back. I LOVE these case studies

[@AirborneGeek]

Sorry to hear about the crash :( and beautifully explained. Thanks for spreading the awareness about the stipple on the charts

[@Talasas]

There is no way at my local area that you would EVER see smoke stacks allowed to be built anywhere near the approach path for a runway. This is precisely the reason too, there just is not enough margin for error and factoring in the types of weather conditions you see in that area you need extra broad margins. A very tragic cost for this lack of forethought.

[@CheapRidesAutoSales]

Finally one more of this great videos it has been so long since one was released, and they are great.

[@ilynx2008]

Excellent video,keep up the good work and please,produce more of the kind!

[@playgroundchooser]

These videos are so well done. Thank you for the effort!

[@danielcurtis4179]

Sounds like a bad idea to have stacks so close to the airport especially in line with the runway. Who was there first?

[@Codehead3]

I think the airport was there first.

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

The steam stack's are worse than just a obstacle as the steam is a hazard itself and they were higher than they said they were.

[@sm5970]

I really missed this series. I’ve been waiting for months for it. Thanks.

[@geobioboo]

One of my favorite videos by you guys! Great lessons learned.

[@FranksMSFlightSimulator]

Excellent production. So sad.

[@SkyWayMan90]

RIP to the deceased, and may her accident, tragic as it is, save lives in the future, however possible.

[@michaelcronin9895]

A magnificently compiled video. Many thanks indeed.

[@TenantRepGuru]

Fantastic video. Thank you for producing it.

[@ronduncan9527]

While obviously sad, these are your best videos! The accident case study. Great teaching tool for us young pilots!

[@snowman1987]

Who does these voice overs? He does everything!

[@Ehnosphere]

I wait and wait and wait for new episodes. Can you please make more! Why are they too far apart😢

[@devun1999]

Need more of these videos!! Thanks guys!!

[@DA-bp8lf]

I know it wasn’t normally a factor, but why build a high smoke stack dead center of a runway??

[@jacewalton6677]

Finally another case study! Love these!

[@clinteranovic8075]

These videos are excellent , very well produced and informative but ironically my wish is that no more of them have to be made. It's so sad to see there tragedies unfold.

[@ClearedAsFiled]

New subscriber. ...excellent video...these videos are Awesome learning tools

[@badmonkey2222]

Why were they give a permit to build or allow steam stacks to operate that close to an airport and directly in line with the approach path and runway threshold !? It just seems like a totally unnecessary hazard, I mean if the stacks have to be there why not build them like 75ft to the left or right off the runway threshold?? 🤔

[@thepurpleufo]

This is a fabulous video with many excellent points that every IFR pilot should pay attention to.

[@eddiexoc8430]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@909SportRider]

Thank you AOPA for producing these high quality educational videos. The production quality, storyline, video editing and voiceover are spot on perfect and it presents the message in a very easy to understand yet very powerful manner. Please continue to produce these Accident Case Study videos!

[@macfan999]

More accident case study videos. Please and thank you.

[@xeldinn86]

We need more people to crash then ...

[@tangocharlie9291]

So sorry for your loss. I can not imagine. ❤️ A pilot myself, I'm now questioning my daughter's quest for her own pilot's license...

[@dandersen464]

Great content as always.

[@CentralStateMower]

low natural visibility is dangerous enough without a big "cloud maker" tower directly in the way of the approach path.

[@GiddeonFox]

Sounds like in this video you guys use the same narrator as the Chemical Safety Board's videos, what's his name? He's got a great voice for this kinda thing.

[@BridMhor]

Do you mean USCSB? I just watched one of those videos. It's not the same person. I think the USCSB man is the man you often see as a expert contributor on Canadian Mayday/Air Crash Investigation series, he's also an aviation author - John Nance

[@jasonrogers5382]

Great video !!!

[@danielgregg2530]

Very classy presentation. Thank you for this.

[@dermick]

Great video, tragic crash. Unfortunately as just a pilot, I'm struggling to find a takeaway in this case. It looks like the pilot did everything well, but unknowingly flew into a low density air pocket that caused the wings to stop producing lift. The folks that decide if an approach is safe need to have a look at this one and any others like it. It can't be the airport management, as they have negative incentive to deem an approach or runway unsafe.

[@nathand.9969]

I think the first take away is know your airport if you're flying in on instruments: look at the surrounding environment and look for possible hazards on both approach ends of the runway. The second is be careful descending rapidly to MDA on approaches with no vertical guidance, a more relaxed descent on the second approach may have saved this pilot. I'd be curious how many pilots nearly hit the stacks though and never knew thanks to being in IMC. But that's a statistic we'll probably never know.

[@buckmurdock2500]

The takeaway is do not descend below MDA until the requisite visual requirements are met and can be complied with all the way to touchdown.

[@buckmurdock2500]

@@nathand.9969 the stacks are below MDA.

[@nathand.9969]

@@buckmurdock2500 I stand corrected, after reviewing the actual charts I can confirm they are below MDA. I mis-understood the video's presentation of the situation.

[@webcucciolo]

We don't know yet if she lost lift / got icing / lost engine power. However, she was below MDA and incapable for some reason to maintain visual clearance of obstacles. So, technically she didn't do everything correctly. NTSB will have two main tasks: figuring out if she had external factors causing her to be below MDA when unable to maintain constant visual contact with the runway (which means, being able to see and avoid the stacks), and understanding if she got herself in a situation where she initially had the runway in sight, therefore she descended below MDA, and after that she was in IMC again because of smoke/steam, and without enough time to execute missed approach before hitting the stack

[@billfly2186]

RIP. For those protesting the location of the stacks, she was a commercial pilot who had flown in to Burley before. She was aware of the stacks and for years pilots have landed there safely in all kinds of weather. Still a tragic loss for those that loved her.

[@danielwilliams3360]

How about avoiding the stack plumes entirely, then an offset final down to touchdown onto the runway ? Just a thought.

[@jekanyika]

Having stacks in that position is a terrible idea, that is the case whether this accident happened or not.

[@billfly2186]

@@jekanyika Yes. Move the airport quickly.

[@mmayes9466]

@@billfly2186 quickly will be 10+ yrs

[@chemistrykrang8065]

Surely that's an indication that the stacks are genuinely dangerous since somebody who was very familiar got caught out? If you keep tripping over a loose paving slab on your patio, you don't think "oh well I know about that loose slab so it's my fault I keep tripping" do you? You just fix it because it's a dangerous nuisance.

[@banjo2019]

Mr. Narrator, whoever you are, you do an exquisite job of narration. I just saw a photograph of this pilot. She was stunningly beautiful. My heart breaks for her family.

[@chemistrykrang8065]

Can we try not to value women solely in terms of their attractiveness? It's gross at any time, and extra gross when you're talking about somebody who died in a tragic accident.

[@banjo2019]

@@chemistrykrang8065 Yes, we can try, but she was truly beautiful. Just as the narrator’s voice is truly poignant and strikes the right tone. These are facts and there’s no dishonor in stating them appropriately, especially here on this toxic stew pot known as KZbin where negativity normally rules the day.

[@user-bz9mz5ft6z]

@@chemistrykrang8065Wtf is your problem, this was a complement in giving a description on how the pilot looked. I’ve heard.many times when people pass away, people say my lord what a handsome young man he was or what a beautiful lady she was . You are doing to much by trying to turn that into something negative.

[@josephcameron530]

Very sad story. Excellent presentation.

[@FranciscoLopez-vm2oh]

Awesome video. All of these videos are part of the curriculum at Berichi Aviation for all students completing any rating (I'm a CFI at Berichi). Keep putting these videos out. We watch each video then do a follow up lesson on it, complimenting part of the reason we have a 100% Safety Record. We definitely owe some of that credit to the AOPA Safety Institute. These videos make a positive impact on aviation safety and are excellent training aides for all pilot training. Thanks for all your hard work AOPA Safety Institute.

[@EH-ip3vt]

Agreed.

[@uhohDavinci]

That was an accident waiting to happen. Terrible spot for steam stacks, directly in the approach path. Even if the height of the stacks themselves are accounted for. The huge plumes of warm MOIST air that extend a couple hundred feet higher are bound to intersect the approach path. Sudden loss of density? possible icing at a critical phase could easily push the aircraft lower. Definite risk stacking. Excellent video on how these things can easily compound.

[@gusmc01]

Agreed. This approach should have NEVER been approved. And if it was approved before the stacks were built, it should have been altered or the stacks should have never been allowed to be built. Hope the family wins their lawsuit.

[@gw6667]

Oh snap, Case Study! So excite! So excite!

[@johnd1727]

As one person noted ..."there are only subtle hints on the chart" This is absurd. Any hazard on the chart in the approach area should be immediately apparent. Otherwise why have approach charts at all? Are they not for an orderly and safe outcome at that location?

[@webcucciolo]

They are obvious for those of us with proper IFR training who know how to read an IFR approach plate. That doesn't reduce the risk, but a flight path ending in a horizontal line telling you to maintain altitude in the VFR portion, together with MDA and associated regulations, is not very subtle. Literally, MDA means "if you cannot maintain constant visual contact with the runway at all time below this altitude, you must discontinue the approach". Legally, even without stacks, if I re-enter a tiny cloud below that altitude, I'm required to execute missed approach 🤔 The main issue for NTSB will be to figure out why she was below MDA AND did not visually avoid the obstacle (my guess is that she unexpectedly got into the steam, thus losing visual, without enough time to go missed)

[@yveaux500]

Smokestacks on short final. Which genius came up with that idea?

[@airjordan1325]

Some high up at the potato plant that doesn't interact with the airport

[@user-de2zo1bw4d]

I wish these Case Study videos are more frequent

[@joemooney6758]

So excited for a new one

[@andrewmgoss]

Why is that factory built there?

[@apogaeum4313]

It was built before the airport existed (true!).

[@rocketplane8862]

I would also wonder if fatigue after the first approach played a role. Obviously we don't have all of the pilot's comms here, but both the pilot and controller were clearly stumbling over radio calls. I also find this accident case study compelling in the ASI's library because there's no obvious weakness to the story up to the crash. She was clearly a confident, proficient pilot, but the conditions proved fatal anyways. A harsh reminder for the "it couldn't be me" folks.