Benjamin Katz

Benjamin Katz, a WSJ reporter specializing in aviation, dives deep into the shocking collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army helicopter, marking the U.S.'s deadliest aviation incident in over two decades. He reveals troubling safety concerns in D.C.'s crowded airspace and discusses the investigation's next steps. Katz also highlights the emotional aftermath of the tragedy, with tributes from the skating community for the young victims, and explains the complexities of air traffic control amid staffing shortages.

In this insightful discussion, Benjamin Katz, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who specializes in the airline industry, unpacks the alarming rise of toxic fume events in aircraft. He reveals how these incidents, often described as smelling like 'dirty socks,' are becoming common and impacting health, including severe cases affecting pilots' vision. Katz details a surprising spike driven by specific engine issues in Airbus A320neo planes and discusses the industry’s dismissive stance on contamination levels, proposing practical fixes and the challenges in implementing them.