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93 Seconds to Disaster: The Government's Great Cover-up
Sew another stripe on the arm of Captain Brian Power-Waters as the Conscience-in-Chief of America's flying industry. In 93 Seconds to Disaster, the story of the tragic post-9/11 crash of American Airlines A-300 Airbus flight 587 in Queens, NY, he takes us inside the cockpit on the fateful morning of November 12, 2001 as the plane gets caught in bone-jarring wake turbulence from the 747 in front of it. Stacking up facts, figures, black box transcripts, and his own profound expertise, Power-Waters criticizes the NTSB for its rush-to-judgment conclusion that the co-pilot caused the breakup of the plane. The author cites reports of 'popping noises' and shedding of plane parts after takeoff, and believes the Airbus either was not airworthy before takeoff or there was an explosive device on board. Power-Waters' probe flatly concludes that Airbus covered up evidence of the extreme sensitivity of the plane's rudder. He hammers at airlines, accuses the FAA of 'sleeping with the airlines', and once again tests the air industry's commitment to safety. A must read!-Alex Michelini, former Chief Investigative Reporter, New York Daily News"If you think your airline captain is trained to recover from any position that the airplane might encounter, you'd be wrong."-Carl T. Butterworth, Senior Captain, American Airlines, Ret. Brig. Gen. (ANG)"Thanks for writing your excellent book concerning the tragedy of American Airlines Flight 587. In it, you have raised questions that need to be addressed, and in doing so, you have helped make the rest of the world aware of these questions."-Andrew J. Michalak, Captain, American Airlines (Ret.)
126 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 30, 2009
W.H. McDonald Jr., President of the Military Writers Society of America
"Captain Brian Power-Waters has authored many great books related to aviation and is more than qualified as a commercial pilot. So, when he presents us the facts and his conclusions in his book "93 Seconds to Disaster: The Government's Great Cover-up" he has my fullest attention. I have about two-thousand hours flying as a crew-chief in Huey helicopters and am a huge reader of aviation books. I am a retired safety manager for the federal government. I have also been personally involved in many aircraft crashes as crew member and have survived--all this gives me a unique special interest in what the author had to say in his book. This book is a fascinating read but is not something you would want to read while waiting in an airport lounge for your flight to board. But this is a book that all passengers should read and absorb his message. In the post 9/11 days there was another aircraft that crashed in the New York City area. It was the American Airlines A-300 Airbus Flight #587. It crashed shortly after take off into a neighborhood in Queens, New York on November 12, 2001. This book deals with the investigation and the possible causes of that crash and the rush to judgment made by the government which blamed the co-pilot. His book gives us an insider look at what went on and his intelligent and educated conclusions. He also adds some personal interest to the book by giving some background information on the crew so we get to know them as real people and not just a name on the investigation reports. This book is well researched and hard hitting. I think all pilots, either private or commercial, would get a great deal from this reading experience but there is something of interest for all non-pilots as well. The book is a great education on aviation accident investigations but it is also entertaining. The author gives us lots of details of the accident and what they think happened. This book is a must read book! I personally endorse it and ask you to read it."
"Captain Brian Power-Waters has authored many great books related to aviation and is more than qualified as a commercial pilot. So, when he presents us the facts and his conclusions in his book "93 Seconds to Disaster: The Government's Great Cover-up" he has my fullest attention. I have about two-thousand hours flying as a crew-chief in Huey helicopters and am a huge reader of aviation books. I am a retired safety manager for the federal government. I have also been personally involved in many aircraft crashes as crew member and have survived--all this gives me a unique special interest in what the author had to say in his book. This book is a fascinating read but is not something you would want to read while waiting in an airport lounge for your flight to board. But this is a book that all passengers should read and absorb his message. In the post 9/11 days there was another aircraft that crashed in the New York City area. It was the American Airlines A-300 Airbus Flight #587. It crashed shortly after take off into a neighborhood in Queens, New York on November 12, 2001. This book deals with the investigation and the possible causes of that crash and the rush to judgment made by the government which blamed the co-pilot. His book gives us an insider look at what went on and his intelligent and educated conclusions. He also adds some personal interest to the book by giving some background information on the crew so we get to know them as real people and not just a name on the investigation reports. This book is well researched and hard hitting. I think all pilots, either private or commercial, would get a great deal from this reading experience but there is something of interest for all non-pilots as well. The book is a great education on aviation accident investigations but it is also entertaining. The author gives us lots of details of the accident and what they think happened. This book is a must read book! I personally endorse it and ask you to read it."
March 30, 2009
Dan Corsello , American Airlines, Ret. Captain and former Journeyman Air Traffic Controller
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As both a retired American Airlines Captain on Boeing 767's and a former Journeyman Air Traffic Controller at Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 93 SECONDS to DISASTER. It is a well researched book that is written in a manner that creates a deep emotion in the reader whether that person is an experienced commercial airline pilot, a student pilot, or simply has a love for aviation. Unfortunately, those of us familiar with the lax attitudes regarding aviation safety of both the FAA and NTSB continue to realize their long-time and continued method of 'Preventative Maintenance' is what I refer to as 'THE AUTOPSY METHOD'. In the writing of the book, [Captain Brian Power-Waters:] developed the situation initially in 'aviation speak' familiar to those of us in the industry and then referred to the situation in language that those who are not in the industry would understand the end result objective [he:] had in mind. Very well done, Captain! I congratulate you for your fine work in telling the world that the Government agencies involved, the manufacturer airline training procedures all need to be improved to have one common goal: safety of the flying public. Everyone employed in the aformentioned needs to remember that a passenger flying at any given moment is probably someone they love more than anyone - a Wife, Husband, Son, Daughter, Mother or Father! The capital letters show the importance of each. Thank you so for the writing of this book and I know all who read it will be impacted by its content. Even though I could write much more of what the book meant to me, I should now sign off."
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As both a retired American Airlines Captain on Boeing 767's and a former Journeyman Air Traffic Controller at Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 93 SECONDS to DISASTER. It is a well researched book that is written in a manner that creates a deep emotion in the reader whether that person is an experienced commercial airline pilot, a student pilot, or simply has a love for aviation. Unfortunately, those of us familiar with the lax attitudes regarding aviation safety of both the FAA and NTSB continue to realize their long-time and continued method of 'Preventative Maintenance' is what I refer to as 'THE AUTOPSY METHOD'. In the writing of the book, [Captain Brian Power-Waters:] developed the situation initially in 'aviation speak' familiar to those of us in the industry and then referred to the situation in language that those who are not in the industry would understand the end result objective [he:] had in mind. Very well done, Captain! I congratulate you for your fine work in telling the world that the Government agencies involved, the manufacturer airline training procedures all need to be improved to have one common goal: safety of the flying public. Everyone employed in the aformentioned needs to remember that a passenger flying at any given moment is probably someone they love more than anyone - a Wife, Husband, Son, Daughter, Mother or Father! The capital letters show the importance of each. Thank you so for the writing of this book and I know all who read it will be impacted by its content. Even though I could write much more of what the book meant to me, I should now sign off."
March 30, 2009
Alex Michelini, former Chief Investigative Reporter, New York Daily News
"Sew another stripe on the arm of Captain Brian Power-Waters as the Conscience-in-Chief of America's flying industry. In 93 Seconds to Disaster, the story of the tragic post-9/11 crash of American Airlines A-300 Airbus flight 587 in Queens, NY, he takes us insided the cockpit on that fateful morning of November 12, 2001 as the plane gets caught in bone-jarring wake turbulence from the 747 in front of it. Stacking up facts, figures, black box transcripts, and his own profound expertise, Power-Waters criticizes the NTSB for its rush-to-judgement conclusion that the co-pilot caused the breakup of the plane. The author cites reports of 'popping noises' and shedding of plane parts after takeoff, and believes the Airbus either was not airworthy before takeoff or there was an explosive device on board. Power-Waters' probe flatly concludes that Airbus covered up evidence of the extreme sensitivity of the plane's rudder. He hammers at airlines, accuses the FAA of 'sleeping with the airlines', and once again tests the air industry's commitment to safety. A must read!"
"Sew another stripe on the arm of Captain Brian Power-Waters as the Conscience-in-Chief of America's flying industry. In 93 Seconds to Disaster, the story of the tragic post-9/11 crash of American Airlines A-300 Airbus flight 587 in Queens, NY, he takes us insided the cockpit on that fateful morning of November 12, 2001 as the plane gets caught in bone-jarring wake turbulence from the 747 in front of it. Stacking up facts, figures, black box transcripts, and his own profound expertise, Power-Waters criticizes the NTSB for its rush-to-judgement conclusion that the co-pilot caused the breakup of the plane. The author cites reports of 'popping noises' and shedding of plane parts after takeoff, and believes the Airbus either was not airworthy before takeoff or there was an explosive device on board. Power-Waters' probe flatly concludes that Airbus covered up evidence of the extreme sensitivity of the plane's rudder. He hammers at airlines, accuses the FAA of 'sleeping with the airlines', and once again tests the air industry's commitment to safety. A must read!"
March 30, 2009
USAF Lt. Col. Robert J. Goebel, Ret. was a great WWII fighter pilot. He flew the P-51 Mustang and scored 11 confirmed kills. Not only was he an exceptional leader, he also wrote a wonderful book entitled "Mustang Ace". Brian highly recommends this amazing book.
"Before I read ' 93 Seconds to Disaster' I felt comfortable with the notion that several government agencies staffed by the most capable people available and dedicated to maintaining the highest level of Commercial Air Transportation safety were 'minding the store' No Longer. Capt. Brian Power-Waters, through his persistent and relentless investigation, has raised serious questions about how technical requirements and administrative matters are handled today. He has shown courage in voicing these concerns,where he has found culpabilities ,even at the highest levels . We all owe him a debt of gratitude."
"Before I read ' 93 Seconds to Disaster' I felt comfortable with the notion that several government agencies staffed by the most capable people available and dedicated to maintaining the highest level of Commercial Air Transportation safety were 'minding the store' No Longer. Capt. Brian Power-Waters, through his persistent and relentless investigation, has raised serious questions about how technical requirements and administrative matters are handled today. He has shown courage in voicing these concerns,where he has found culpabilities ,even at the highest levels . We all owe him a debt of gratitude."
March 30, 2009
R. St. Amour, Retired ATCS 1964/2004
I have read every one of Captain Brian Power-Waters books. This in my opnion is his second best effort. Safety Last ( his first book ) was ahead of it's time in discussing aviation mishaps. I had personal knowledge of one of the accidents described in that book. His latest book attempts to make a little more sense of a terrible loss of life that could have been prevented. The rush to attribute blame and cause by the NTSB and the FAA is nothing new. I was an Air Traffic Controller in New York at the time of this crash. One of my best friends was the last controller to talk/give instructions to the doomed pilots. Anyone who is interested in commercial airline safety should seriously consider this book. Brian all I can say is " well done "....
I have read every one of Captain Brian Power-Waters books. This in my opnion is his second best effort. Safety Last ( his first book ) was ahead of it's time in discussing aviation mishaps. I had personal knowledge of one of the accidents described in that book. His latest book attempts to make a little more sense of a terrible loss of life that could have been prevented. The rush to attribute blame and cause by the NTSB and the FAA is nothing new. I was an Air Traffic Controller in New York at the time of this crash. One of my best friends was the last controller to talk/give instructions to the doomed pilots. Anyone who is interested in commercial airline safety should seriously consider this book. Brian all I can say is " well done "....
March 30, 2009
Mrs. Marian States, Mother of Captain Edward States
"When the media was full of the news of the crash of flight 587 I followed "US Read" on the Internet daily. The writers did a wonderful and thorough job of reporting and raising questions. Many of these questions remain unanswered to this day.
By bringing attention to the eyewitness statements, many of which the government chose to ignore, you have done more than pay tribute to the horrific waste of lives caused by the tragedy of Flight 587.
As the Mother of Captain Edward States and in the name of his Co-Pilot Sten Molin, their crew and all their passengers, I thank you for writing this book. "
"When the media was full of the news of the crash of flight 587 I followed "US Read" on the Internet daily. The writers did a wonderful and thorough job of reporting and raising questions. Many of these questions remain unanswered to this day.
By bringing attention to the eyewitness statements, many of which the government chose to ignore, you have done more than pay tribute to the horrific waste of lives caused by the tragedy of Flight 587.
As the Mother of Captain Edward States and in the name of his Co-Pilot Sten Molin, their crew and all their passengers, I thank you for writing this book. "
March 30, 2009
AVweb's Kevin Lane-Cummings
"The job of the FAA is to promote aviation safety and to encourage and develop civilian aeronautics -- an "economic" influence that some say interferes with its safety duties. The NTSB, on the other hand, is all about safety: investigating accidents and promoting ways to reduce them. But government watchdogs question the independence of even that organization.
When American Airlines Flight 587 crashed just after departing JFK airport in November, 2001, the accident investigation teams jumped to work as they always do. The conclusion from the NTSB was that the probable cause of the accident was, "The in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs."
Captain Brian Power-Waters has assembled an extensive evaluation of the accident and the investigation into its causes, and is convinced that undue blame has been placed on Flight 587's first officer.
Captain Brian Power-Waters' new book, 93 Seconds to Disaster, has chapters covering the chronology of the pilots and the lfight, information about large-aircraft upsets, an evaluation of use of composites for aircraft, pilot training and a review of the abilities and pressures put on NTSB investigators.
Using a mixture of official reports and his own interviews and eyewitness accounts, Captain Power-Waters has created a very readable book that puts a new perspective on the accident that, he says, should have changed how airliners are made and how pilots are trained."
"The job of the FAA is to promote aviation safety and to encourage and develop civilian aeronautics -- an "economic" influence that some say interferes with its safety duties. The NTSB, on the other hand, is all about safety: investigating accidents and promoting ways to reduce them. But government watchdogs question the independence of even that organization.
When American Airlines Flight 587 crashed just after departing JFK airport in November, 2001, the accident investigation teams jumped to work as they always do. The conclusion from the NTSB was that the probable cause of the accident was, "The in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs."
Captain Brian Power-Waters has assembled an extensive evaluation of the accident and the investigation into its causes, and is convinced that undue blame has been placed on Flight 587's first officer.
Captain Brian Power-Waters' new book, 93 Seconds to Disaster, has chapters covering the chronology of the pilots and the lfight, information about large-aircraft upsets, an evaluation of use of composites for aircraft, pilot training and a review of the abilities and pressures put on NTSB investigators.
Using a mixture of official reports and his own interviews and eyewitness accounts, Captain Power-Waters has created a very readable book that puts a new perspective on the accident that, he says, should have changed how airliners are made and how pilots are trained."
March 30, 2009
Wing Commander Peter Ayerst joined the RAF in 1938. He flew Spitfires and Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain where he destroyed 9 German aircraft, and 2 probables. He earned the most coveted RAF medal, The DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross). He is now the only spitfire production test pilot who is still alive.
"Thank you very much for sending a copy of your book '93 Seconds To Disaster'. I have now read it and it is incredibly interesting, particularly as I have no experience on large jet aircraft. All my jet flying has been on fighter jets and therefore I was amazed at the problems the large jets have with the rudder. The amount of detail that you book covers is truly amazing and I found it extremely informative, one is never too old to learn. I send you my best wishes. Wing Commander Peter V. Ayerst."
"Thank you very much for sending a copy of your book '93 Seconds To Disaster'. I have now read it and it is incredibly interesting, particularly as I have no experience on large jet aircraft. All my jet flying has been on fighter jets and therefore I was amazed at the problems the large jets have with the rudder. The amount of detail that you book covers is truly amazing and I found it extremely informative, one is never too old to learn. I send you my best wishes. Wing Commander Peter V. Ayerst."
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews