Hawker Stall-Test Crashes: Urgent NTSB Action + NOTAM Slackline Tragedy

Hawker Stall-Test Crashes: Urgent NTSB Action + NOTAM Slackline Tragedy

Author: Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network January 12, 2026 Duration: 52:59

Max Trescott and Rob Mark connect a string of very different accidents with one shared theme: safety margin usually disappears one “reasonable” choice at a time—until the airplane (or the environment) collects the debt.

They open with a major development: the NTSB’s urgent recommendation to Textron after two fatal post-maintenance stall test flights in Hawker business jets. Max and Rob explain why stall testing in swept-wing jets can be uniquely unforgiving, and why “unacceptable stall characteristics” should make every pilot sit up straight. The takeaway: if a flight requires test-pilot skills, then “maintenance requires it” doesn’t make it safe—it demands the right training, the right crew, and the right conditions.

Max then shares NTSB news: a public board meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET to determine probable cause for the January 29, 2025 midair collision over the Potomac River near Reagan National (PSA CRJ700 and an Army UH-60L Black Hawk). Max and Rob will be watching closely and will share clips in a future episode.

From there they break down recent accidents and reports, including: the Dassault Falcon 50, 9H-DFS, crash near Haymana, Turkey; an MD530F helicopter, N3502P, near Superior, Arizona where a slackline/highline may have been a factor; a TBM 700, N700PT, near Monroe, Wisconsin involving an approach continued below minimums; the Hawker 900XP, N900VA, fatal post-maintenance stall test crash; a Cessna P210, N1400, fuel exhaustion accident in San Diego in IMC with low recent flying; and a Bonanza G36, N360FV, near Tracy, California that illustrates the engine-emergency dilemma: choose the ugly, certain option—or gamble for the “better” airport you might not reach.


Ever wonder what really happens after the dust settles on an aviation accident? NTSB News Talk-Aviation Accidents, Safety Investigations & Pilot Lessons pulls back the curtain on the meticulous world of safety investigations, transforming complex reports into actionable knowledge. Hosted by award-winning aviation journalist Rob Mark alongside Max Trescott-a flight instructor with formal accident investigator training-each episode delves into recent findings from the National Transportation Safety Board. Their conversations move beyond the headlines to analyze the chain of events, human factors, and mechanical failures that lead to incidents. This isn't about sensationalism; it's a clear-eyed look at the facts, designed to translate tragedy into tangible lessons for those in the cockpit. Whether you're a seasoned pilot, a flight instructor shaping the next generation, or an enthusiast fascinated by the intricacies of flight safety, this podcast serves as a vital resource. You'll hear detailed breakdowns of specific cases, discussions on broader safety trends, and practical takeaways that can directly inform decision-making and checklists. The dialogue between a journalist's perspective and an instructor's hands-on experience creates a unique and authoritative tone, making technical details accessible and immediately relevant. Tune in for a sobering yet essential exploration of how the aviation community learns, adapts, and strives to make every flight safer.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 29

NTSB News Talk – Aviation Accidents, Safety Investigations & Pilot Lessons
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