Lori Aratani, a seasoned Transportation reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in D.C. She discusses eyewitness accounts, the immediate response, and the heart-wrenching aftermath. The conversation also unpacks safety concerns surrounding Reagan National Airport, including a rise in near-miss incidents and the implications for air traffic management. Aratani tackles misconceptions about aviation safety and the ongoing investigations by the NTSB.

The podcast explores Boeing's series of crises, including emergency landings and whistleblower deaths, tarnishing its once sterling reputation. It delves into whistleblower John Barnett's struggles with quality control issues, Boeing's cultural shift post-merger with McDonald Douglas, self-regulation challenges, and market share consequences.