David Soucie

Safety and Accident Investigator

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Not many of the recommendations were implemented by the FAA to improve the Commercial Airplane Certification process. The investigation is a good start but the true test will be if the FAA has the teeth to devise substantive regulatory reform based on findings.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Pondering Breathing and life as a systems engineer using SIPOC, on my walk today. Yes I got distracted - lol

Supplier
Sun → Plants (trees, algae, phytoplankton via photosynthesis)
Input
Oxygen (O₂) + Fuel (glucose, fats)
Process
Inhalation → gas exchange → cellular respiration (mitochondria)
Output
ATP (usable energy), heat, carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Customer
Human organism (energy) and plants (CO₂ feedstock)

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Why is Ocean Infinity willing to make a $70 Million dollar gamble on finding MH370?

https://t.co/Eg62L1cFb5

If this is interesting please subscribe for more info on Airplane Accidents and MH370

https://t.co/w3lgElNljl

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Just joined @CNN to break down the American Airlines MAX 8 rejected takeoff & evacuation at Denver.

What caused the smoke?
Tire blow or brake failure?

Watch the full segment here:
👉 https://t.co/cGYTTlzUL9
#AviationSafety #MAX8 #CNN #DavidSoucie

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

It was considered by the design review board. It would also inhibit the pilots from stopping a fuel fed fire on a failed engine when fractions of seconds count. The “inhibit” is the mechanical movement of the switch - it must be intentional and there are guards on each side it the switches to prevent accidental movement.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

☀️ Could Heat Exposure Have Contributed to a Critical Error?

On June 12, 2025, the temperature in Ahmedabad was over 104°F (40°C) — with humidity pushing the “feels like” temperature to a staggering 126°F (52°C).

In these conditions, a pilot performing the standard 15–30 minute preflight walk-around of a Boeing 787 would be exposed to direct tarmac heat, potentially leading to early signs of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or even mild delirium before the engines ever start.

This inspection is not optional, nor automated — it must be done manually:
•Sensors, landing gear, fuselage panels
•Flaps, slats, control surfaces
•Fuel caps, tires, and leaks
•APU exhaust and external lighting

Even the most experienced pilots are vulnerable to physiological stress under extreme heat. And on that day, the 787 crew was performing under some of the most oppressive ground conditions imaginable.

Let me be clear: I am not trying to determine what happened aboard Air India Flight AI171.
I am simply working to understand what factors — including environmental — could have contributed to a decision as serious and final as engaging the engine cut-off switches in flight.

We often think of risk in terms of systems or failures in the air — but what if one piece of the puzzle begins on the ground, in silence, and in sweat?

⸻

✈️ #AviationSafety #AirIndia171 #Boeing787 #PreflightInspection #HeatExhaustion #PilotFatigue #HumanFactors #FlightRisk #WhyPlanesCrash #ClimateAndAviation #PilotWellness #AvGeek #TarmacConditions

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Aviation is a calling—and for Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, it was also an act of devotion.

Captain Sabharwal, who tragically lost his life in the recent Air India crash, was a seasoned pilot with more than 15,000 flight hours. But beyond his skill in the cockpit, he was something even more extraordinary: the in-home caregiver for his elderly father. He had planned to retire early to care for him full time.

That same father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal—former Director General of Civil Aviation in India—stood over his son’s casket just weeks ago. A man who dedicated his life to aviation safety now faces the unimaginable loss of his only child in the very system he helped build.

There’s something profoundly human about that moment. It reminds us that aviation isn’t just about machinery and regulation—it’s about people. Behind every incident are families, legacies, and sacrifices that rarely make the headlines.

As an aviation safety analyst, I believe our work must honor not only those lost—but those who lived to serve with courage, compassion, and duty.

—
David Soucie
CNN Aviation Safety Analyst | Former FAA Inspector | Aviation Safety Advocate

#AviationSafety #AirIndiaCrash #FlightSafety #CNN #WhyPlanesCrash #PilotTribute #CaptainSabharwal #HumanSideOfAviation #CaregiverInTheCockpit

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

#airindiaplanecrash #AirIndiaCrash #airindia

In my 45 years in aviation—including my tenure as an FAA accident investigator and safety analyst—I have never encountered an accident where both engines were manually shut down during takeoff under normal conditions. This is highly irregular and without precedent in my experience.

Typically, in the event of an engine fire or failure, the operating procedure is to identify the affected engine and use the respective fuel cutoff switch to prevent further fuel supply. I have investigated accidents where pilots mistakenly shut down the wrong engine after misidentifying the failure, which tragically led to loss of control or forced landings.

However, this incident appears fundamentally different.

According to the flight data recorder, there was no indication of engine failure or fire prior to the cutoff switches being engaged. In fact, cockpit audio reveals one pilot asking, “Why did you shut off the cutoffs?”—to which the other responds, “I didn’t.” Moreover, both engines were shut down within one second of each other by a single pilot shortly after takeoff.

From a procedural standpoint, the only conceivable justification for such action would be if both engines had already failed or were engulfed in flames, and a crash landing was imminent. That was clearly not the case here.

I have been asked whether I believe the act was intentional. Initially, I was inclined to say no. But on further analysis, the timing and manner of the engine shutdown are highly irregular and not consistent with standard pilot training. Pilots are taught to make one controlled input at a time, confirm its effect, and then proceed with the next. In this case, both cutoffs were pulled in rapid succession, with no verbal coordination or checklist discipline, which raises serious concerns.

To me, this suggests one of two possibilities: either the pilot who acted did so without fully understanding the function of the cutoff switches, or the action was made without deliberate cognitive intent. Both are deeply troubling.

What is clear is what happened—we now know the engines were shut down by human action. What remains uncertain, and perhaps unknowable, is why.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

@milesobrien Agree Miles, such a tragic accident. There are multiple warnings and crosschecks for takeoff configuration prior to take off on the 787 it is hard to believe they started the takeoff roll in this configuration. Black boxes will be very revealing …

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

@airindia Deep respect to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson for his swift, heartfelt message after the AI171 tragedy. In moments of shock and grief, sincere words bring real comfort. A model of empathy and leadership.
🎥 YouTube
🌐 https://t.co/vjXfC2QS7H
#CampbellWilson #planecrash

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

We can Empower the FAA regulatory oversight on the ATC by privatizing the operations functions. You cannot operate and self regulate within the same organization. This has been an issue with the FAA since its inception.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

@SecDuffy When updating the equipment be sure to Watch for the Ops versus R&D budget cycles. @secduffy The short funding cycles short circuit substantive change and restructuring. Use a POTUS line item like OASIS - budget for infrastructure to avoid funding redirection every 2 years.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

@SecDuffy

I applaud your efforts to recruit the best and brightest!

Keep looking forward for ways to retain them with good sustainable work schedules.

https://t.co/krSs7Hk9Dj

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

@FAANews @USDOT Hiring is just the start, FAA needs to be the best and brightest to find ways to retain them… 60 hour work weeks for years on end won’t cut it.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

https://t.co/krSs7HjBNL

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Engine maker Safran upbeat on Boeing 737 MAX production this year. Some good news about Boeing production from engine supplier - https://t.co/qD7AeOKPoY

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

Today I choose to recognize challenges as potential for a better life. https://t.co/91QSj0U8bq

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

NTSB B-Roll - Recovering Flight Data Recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700... https://t.co/FpQ6FVkNfu via @YouTube

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

DC Mid Air Update 2/3/25 https://t.co/pndRunQNNG via @YouTube

This is an excellent update on the DCA mid air collision.

[David Soucie @David_Soucie]

So why is it important to know if the helicopter pilots had night vision goggles on at the time of the mid air collision over Regan national?