The REAL Pilot Mistake That Got Brittney Killed! 

The Burley airport was warned of safety deficiencies as far back as 2014 (unrelated to the stacks). They lost all federal funding in 2018. There was a LOT of data to cover in this tragedy in such a short video and this is a story that needs to be told. If you want to watch a story about a pilot that made a reckless mistake and killed almost everyone onboard the plane, then click here 👉ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mztjyYBnCos.html

Great analysis Hoover! This accident hits very close to home, and as I mentioned on Juans channel. I am Brittney's instrument instructor that had the pleasure of working with her and witness her acheiveing her Instrument Rating. I wanted to thank you for covering Brittney's accident. Your example of the Swiss cheese model in reference to her accident is accurate. She was a FANTASTIC student, and to this day I still brag about how much of a joy she was to teach instrument. Her attention to detail, desire to be the best pilot she could was very evident from day one. Sadly, the chain of events leading to her loss are hard to stomach especially the exhaust stacks and how everything was a perfect storm for this event to happen. I hadn't seen the report that depicted her different airspeeds between the approach and how that could have greatly affected her second approach! What I can confidently say is that while going through her instrument training she was hyper focused on being precise with every approach, landing and maneuver she attempted. Being human does have the propensity to make mistakes, and combined with an approach that should have been discontinued is truly gut wrenching. She's greatly missed, however, I will forever be grateful to have known and had my stamp on her professional pilot career. Fly high Brittney! Thanks Hoover!

This situation is crazy. If you consider the FCC regulations on how high an antenna tower you can build in proximity to an airport, there's no way you could have erected a structure that high. For short runways (less than 3200 feet), there's a 50:1 slope that defines the height of a structure. If the exhaust stack was 2600 feet from the runway, it couldn't have exceeded 52 feet of height above the runway surface. And these stacks are built at twice that height, pretty much exactly off the end of the runway? It's all nuts.

Thanks for posting her tragic end of life story,i met her at the SLC airport working as a A&P on the cargo Ramp,she was a good kind ,smart and capable pilot and woman, she is missed 😢peace to her Family.

25 years ago I was a 30 year old commuter turboprop Captain and like you said, "wrong time, wrong place". This could have happened to anybody.

The FAA said it was a hazard and magically said it is no longer a hazard after they increased the height of the stacks. That company, the city and FAA should have never allowed those stacks to be built in the path of the runway. This is insane.

Factory is negligent, City is negligent, the position of the stacks leaves an approaching aircraft almost no margin of error to recover from a problem. Never should have been allowed to build those stacks. The fact that the city said the financial benefit was more important (than safety i.e. Brittney's life) is damning and I hope they get sued for millions.

Thank you so much for putting this video together. I personally knew Brittney from flight school at Utah State. Its so heartbreaking to lose a fellow aviator and friend. She really was one of the most driven, and kind people I knew while flight training. She was loved and will be missed. Stay safe out there guys.

I came upon your channel a few months ago by accident and this is only the third episode I have watched. I was Naval Aviator, and then spent 31 years at FedEx plying the trade prior to retiring. I greatly appreciate your extreme professionalism in describing these incidents! IMHO…. In this case, with the flaps up(accidentally), and the low airspeed led to the nose high attitude while descending from the clouds, likely resulting in a “feeling” of being higher than she wanted to be, likely causing her to increase her rate of descent to get to a place where the “visual” view matched what she wanted to see. Thank you again for your professional presentations Hoover! Your site should be required viewing for pilots!

“It isn’t dangerous because it will make us money” 🙄

FAA: 70’ stacks: ☠️ 100’ stacks: 👍

The real mistake was believing that the FAA is still a competent government agency. It has not been since 2000; people should be fired for allowing an approach with hazards like that in the glide path!

I’m not a pilot but I’m a huge air craft enthusiast. I love your debriefs. You spare no details while remaining unbiased. Keep up the good work. My heart goes out to all Brittany’s loved ones and family. May future innovations provide safer skies and less accidents in the future.

I'm a pilot - so of course I love these videos. But I'm really struck just how well done they are from a production and organization perspective - which make them very easy to watch.

Even with 2200 hour of private pilot flying, I do not fly to minimum in weather. I do not fly single engine at night. Not anymore. I’m debating with myself if watching all these videos scare me or make me a safer pilot. These videos have changed the way I fly and think. Thank you to all the RU-vidrs that bring this knowledge today. In the old days all this content was not available due to internet simply not there. Keep your airspeed up and be safe.❤

I watch many mainstream RU-vid flying videos, and while some of the "experts" give their opinions about how and why accidents occur, yours is the most thorough. Thank you, and keep up the good and valuable work!

Awesome debrief, thank you for doing this one, great video and keep up the great work Hoover.

How could they allow stacks like that next to an airport. Someone dropped the ball, several times. Having to fly thru a steam cloud just sounds negligent.

This is one of the saddest debrief stories I’ve seen. My thoughts and well wishes are with the family.

Hoover I really do appreciate your analysis. You’re spot on, articulate and well spoken. You get to the point. Every time I watch one of your debriefing I learned something. A good pilot is always learning so I will continue to watch these and will continue to benefit from an experience, insight and analysis, thank you for your efforts

Hoover, I’m not a pilot, but rather a police officer and avid motorcyclist. I want to give you kudos on your ability to make informational, educational, and professional RU-vid content. I’ve been watching your videos at the gym as do my cardio on the treadmill. You are a true example of quality in social media, which unfortunately is rare these days. Thank you for being a valued content creator.

This story reminds me of the Florida vet and his wife who hit a pine tree on approach to RDU--you did an excellent debrief on that sad event. The state park pine tree had good reason to be there but that smoke stack absolutely did not! Shame on that company and the city who approved its height and location! 😡😢🤯

One truth I have noticed with almost all of your debriefs, and with other videos like yours, is that it doesn't take much of an error to kill yourself (and others) in an airplane. They are rather unforgiving machines as the recent deaths of some very experienced and highly skilled aviators have proven. As always, you gave an excellent analysis.

Thank you. You are always to respectful in your posts. I look forward (with respect to the content) to your next post x

I know absolutely nothing about flying an aircraft but your videos are so well explained that even I can make sense of them. Thanks

Thanks for posting, this was an accident waiting to happen by all accounts I've read on the internet. Local to me, about 10 to 15 years ago, our local Government bought up everything, (Houses, factories, farms etc, ) within 1/2 a mile to 1 mile from our airfield and removed it from the landscape. They demolished houses, trees, windmills, flagpoles and everything else taller than 10 feet high, to prevent just this sort of tragedy. The lives of the pilots, passengers and crew, to them was more important than making a profit.

I am a pilot, but haven't flown in years. That phase of my life has passed. The knowledge that you have has no limits and I enjoy your method of explaining everything about the incidents. You always show the incident from many angles and it really helps all pilots become better. I believe pilots should find an opportunity to learn SOMETHING from every flight, even if it's just "why am I always 5 feet left of centerline when I land???" Thanks Hoover, you make this world a better/safer place with your efforts and I am sure non-pilots find your content entertaining as well.

Just found your channel, I'm not a pilot, but the way you explain everything makes it easy to comprehend, thank you. I've subscribed.

I'm not a pilot nor in aviation, but when I see a new Pilot Debrief, I click as quick as I can. The level of professionalism, quality of detail, level of compassion make this one of RU-vids best content . God Bless 🙏

And let’s make sure the stacks are gray so they blend perfectly with the snow. Great plan.

The only mistake I see is some state employees greenlit the building of IRON BARS 100 FT HIGH in the immediate vicinity of an airport. This is pure lunacy and all the culprits should get at least some jail sentence, extra to the compensation of the family

THANK YOU from a non-aviator for your analysis. Between you and Juan Brown, I learn so much.

I’m an armchair aviator enthusiast I’m thoroughly impressed with your conscious effort to understand what happened to cause an error ( human or mechanical factors ) I feel confident with your speculations over most others so called facts. Keep up the great investigation and presentation 👌👍

If I'm the pilot in those conditions I'm thinking the stacks possess a greater risk than landing downwind on a 4700ft runway (or diverting). Obstacles near a runway are a huge risk when you're low and slow.

City Logic _"We have confirmed the stacks are safe because it brings in money."_

This is very sad. I always learn important details/concepts from your outstanding debriefs because they're so well done. Thanks Hoover. I'm heartbroken for her family and loved ones.

Another excellent video Hoover! Very much appreciate the time you invest in them!

Most, if not all, of these debriefs are heart breaking... but I cannot for the life of me understand why the city would allow *anything* to be build on the approach path and not simply offset the plant to the left or right.

Moving operations to Twin Falls would have avoided this ridiculous approach issue. The whole existence of the stacks and lack of services at the airport should have eliminated this as a destination.

I flew B-52s from 1977-2004. You are an amazing pilot debriefer. Keep up the great work and thank you for your service.

You have the BEST aviation channel on RU-vid...so professional. Thank-you! This was a very sad tragedy and my heart goes out to her family and friends. Maybe they should CLOSE that airport.

Nobody has better explained the main factors while also pointing the emphasis in the right directions. This could be a 3 hour debrief, however, the fact the exhaust from the stacks can cause turbulence and/or temporary loss but was still approved on an approach like this is beyond my comprehension. Striped painted with a light or not. Why should any such man-made obstruction be anywhere remotely close to this glide path. There has to more of a margin than 100’ when you’re anywhere close to DMMS. RIP Brittney, a gorgeous woman an even more beautiful soul. May this tragedy continue to offer us education for all parties so that we can all be better. Great job covering this Hoover, love ya buddy. 🙏🏼

I admire the compassion you display in your videos.

A great breakdown. Thanks for putting all of this together.

I am not a pilot, but have found your channel fascinating and my knowledge of the stresses that pilots encounter during flight has increased dramatically. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing this sad tale - The only thing missing from this excellent debrief is a penalty from the FAA for not complying with the measures to make the stacks safe, and whatever pencil-pusher decided that 70ft stacks would be a hazard, but 100 ft stacks is a-ok. The FAA does do a thankless service, but they don't deserve thanks for indirectly causing a young woman to lose her life. I hope that all of the extra profit is sued out of them.

Very well done video, thank you. This accident is one that really makes you question if flying is worth the risks.

Thank you for your sympathetic analysis of this tragic accident..... Roger... Pembrokeshire

I hope the family wins the lawsuit. It won’t bring her back but the company and city need to be held accountable.

Money > Humans. Always. All my sympathies to her family and friends for their loss.

I worked in a field that conducted a lot of failure analysis, which is the main reason that I really enjoy your channel even though I’m not a pilot. Your objectivity and humility, as well as your excellent teaching style as you go through contributing factors and winnow them down to the critical few are so valuable. I hope your watchers will get that this case clearly shows the necessity and value of clear and enforceable land use and siting requirements. States and municipalities that operate like regulation , guidance, and permit/zoning enforcement are overstepping government authority are shirking their duties, though in this area it could have been as simple as developer making a “back off!” call to the county supervisor or planning department when the stacks were found to be 30’ too high. In my overly-nanny state of CA, the factory would have never been given a permit to construct that close to a runway approach, let along with steam-emitting exhaust stacks. It’s a shame that a talented and industrious young lady’s life was the payment tendered for the “freedoms” offered by that town’s government to a developer. 😢 Yes, freedom isn’t free, but innocent lives are not legal tender.

Trevor you do a GRATE job explaining the details‼️ BRAVO 👏

The FAA learned their lesson. They now allowed the factory to build their new smoke stack 130 feet high.

What on earth is the madness that allows tall structures to be built close to a runway and directly in line with it. There will be an individual who ultimately signed this off and approved it. Makes you wonder how much money was passed under the desk. Someone has blood on their hands and should be held accountable. Putting economic benefits before peoples lives is absolutely disgraceful. If there are no regulations to stop something like this then there should be.

Great video Hoover. I love how thoroughly you cover every aspect of the investigation making this the best video I've seen so far on the subject. This has to be one of the saddest stories of recent times. She made a small mistake that cost her life. As a fellow pilot, I feel so very much for her family with the sudden end to this lovely young lady's life. You have, as always shown great consideration and kindness. I have a question. Re the warning lamp, did the potato company illegally remove the stack from the building before the NTSB had finished its investigation of the evidence? (Therefore impeding an investigation?) It appears the stack was taken down after the NTSB visit, placed beside a railway line, not cordoned off, and was soon taken away for disposal. It was at this point, the lamp was taken for a separate legal case by Dan Gryder, who was accused of removing evidence. But this could only be so if the stack was taken down and disposed of without the knowledge of the NTSB. OR Does the stack remain the property of the NTSB until it is completely destroyed??? The lamp would have very likely been smashed loading such a heavy object onto a rail car.

Thanks for Making this video.

Was living in Twin Falls when this occurred, & and I have been curious as to what happened! Thank you for the information.

So...everyone involved knew the stacks are a problem.

Thank you for this debrief

That was a great pilot debrief Hoover. As usual you nailed it and gave me a complete understanding of what killed this young lady pilot. It is so sad that conditions like this can cause the Swiss cheese holes to line up. I am a pilot myself but I am now 70 years old. I haven't flown since 1987 but I can still feel the circumstances that caused this accident.

As a casual aviation fan, I really enjoy your videos. I was an EMT for 30yrs & attended quite a few aviation incidents. My friend was an air traffic controller, so I used to get access to the control tower at Prestwick. So your videos are of great interest to me. RIP this pilot. 😢

I’ve flown in and out of KBYI a handful of times. Those smoke stacks are in a terrible place. I understand if a perfect glide slope is flown everything is fine but there is so little room for error. Take off performance can be rough in high density altitude trying to clear those as well

Solid work, a tragic story. Save the grace of God there go I. 44 years flight experience, major airline captain checkout was in 1999, well over 20,000 hours and I learn from you every time I invest time in your videos. Thank you so much. Awesome stuff.

I first started watching Hoover about a year ago. I fly and have always watched and read everything I can about accident to hopefully not make a mistake that another poor soul has made. Aviation advances have always been paid for in blood sweat and tears, and more blood than anything else. It's a very rewarding field but it is most unforgiving. I've lost friends and acquaintances along my way in it. So to help stay safe and to use what the comrades have paid for with their blood I watch and read what I can. This said I'd like to say thanks to Hoover for putting the effort into this and for not letting the loss of our fellow aviators be wasted. Thanks again Hoover.

Those stacks seem like a booby trap just waiting for someone to slip up on their approach. Surely there's a long list of close calls. Absolute insanity they were allowed to be built and stay.

Superb presentation, Hoover. My wife and I appreciate all the work you put into researching, writing and editing these videos. Very edifying.

Shortly after this tragedy, there was a group of us (all pilots) trying to deconstruct what happened. The two biggest questions we were left with were "Why is there a stack on final to begin with?" and "Why did she experience the high rate of descent on short final?" This analysis really helps what we could only guess at with limited information. In the Hierarchy of Controls, removing the hazard is always the best answer. In this case, remove the stack and you not only remove the obstacle, you remove the steam. My condolences to Brittney, and her family and friends. Ty for the breakdown.

Always enjoy your analysis.You make it understandable to us passengers.

Unbelievable they would build these obstructions on an approach to a runway. RIP

If you’re going to have these one hundred feet AGL stacks, the airport MUST have a precision approach.

Thanks Hoover, good video. You can also thank Dan Gryder as well who put a lot more effort into the investigation process than anyone else... including the FAA. Its still mindbending that a company would have been soooo brain dead & negligent by deciding to put a line of chimneys directly in line with an active runway. With all the land available on that site they had to put them there!!! What were they thinking... because they certainly didn’t in this case... think that is! So many holes in the Swiss cheese model apparent here. If the company was so blindingly and criminally negligent there were other options to recritify the issue... possibly realign the runway by 10 degrees for example. But, like everything these days bureaucracy, finance and especially egos cloud peoples judgement and wherewithal to act. RIP Britteny... you were doing so well... till you were let down by the system. Keep up the good work Hoover. Regards from Oz. Gaz 😮

Very sad and tragic. A major contributing factor was inadequate warning lights, which were placed where steam could obscure them. How expensive would it have been to have extra strobe lights placed from forty to ninety feet up the stacks? Better lights don't burn out for years at a time. The cost benefit ratio is huge. Excellent video, Hoover. You're the best at this.

from a lawyers perspective, the mere fact that she didn’t hit it the first time does not excuse the fact that there is a nearly invisible obstacle intruding into the cone of reasonably foreseeable flight paths.

Sad happening. Thanks for the wonderful video explaining this sad crash, this dear lady lost her life and this is such a heart breaking accident for an experienced pilot to have made a reported error in her flying. RIP Brittney.

I’m sad for the family’s loss. It’s horrible! I almost lost my oldest daughter to an accident that could have been avoided. I can feel their pain and I hope they were well compensated. This was an excellent debrief and superb analysis! Thank You!

I love the way you present the facts. This is such an interesting and informative place to learn from, thank you Pilot Debrief.

If the approach angle is modified for it, how is it not a hazard

Thanks for sharing this info as tragic as it is. Take care and God Bless.

Hi Hoover, I love your explanations which make it easy to understand for landlubbers like me.

Thanks Hoover. I was just there at the city park across from the factory on May 19th and I took a couple photos being aware of this tragic accident. Just to let you know, the remaining stacks have never been painted per the FAA recommendation. Though there must have been much NTSB and FAA presence there after the accident and the fact that the company did not comply to the recommendation, nothing was ever done and no enforcement was directed at the company. I could send you the photos, which the meta data confirms when they were taken, if you like.

All administrative controls failed. I hope her family sues all of them.

Hoover- long time viewer. I really enjoy your insight. Also appreciate you highlighting a tragedy where it wasn’t the pilot’s fault, but that of bureaucracy that led to a dangerous faa approved approach.

I just wanted to say to you Hoover, I am not a Pilot or have I ever flown, I'm 65 and Aviation has always fascinated me and I happened to of run across your channel a couple of months ago and even though it's all about tragedy I will first say my Heart goes out to anyone affected by any loss due to any aviation misshapen. And I've never seen anyone with your knowledge, Compassion, and an ability to explain in such a way that a normal non knowledgeable individual like myself can understand what you are saying so easily. Although these stories are tragic I feel greatful in your ability to explain each situation with regular layman terminology with Compassion for those affected by each story I can only imagine you must of been one Heck of a Pilot and as much as flying such small Aircraft scares me, I would of flown with you anytime with the utmost confidence! So I just want to say Thank You Hoover for turning a tragedy into a well thought out explanation that I'm sure brings a warm Heart Felt Feeling into those affected by such tragedies. Your a True Gentleman in my Book and I'm certain I can speak for all of your 542,000 Subscribers as well as those channel surfers such as myself who just happened to stumble across your channel and have become glued to it just like it happened to me. Thank You again Hoover for being a Rare Compassionate Human Being! God Bless 🙏🏼

Yeah, makes sense. Slower approach, bit of turbulence from the steam, the stall horn sounds. She automatically lowers the nose as per training.... and plowed straight into the stacks. It's a stupid place to be putting up obstructions when an existing runway exists. It killed her.

I was well-advised to fly approaches in the 208 at 120 KIAS and ten degrees flaps. Plenty of energy/lift and a good view over the nose, even for someone who sits low in the seat, like I do. Preposterous those stacks were allowed to be there, but she might have had a chance with more energy and an unobstructed view ahead.

You’re a legend Mr Hoover, thanks for your videos

Very good analysis.... keep up the good work sir.

Dude, all your vids are sad as hell. But we learn a ton of stuff. You and this other guy are the best. Keep them coming, cuz I want to keep learning. Thanx.

It seems like in aviation, accidents happen because of things known before the accident occurs but aren't taken seriously by either the pilots or 0eople connected to the aircraft or management.

Another RU-vidr pointed these towers out and conducted a test on the light that was on the stack. Other aviation RU-vidrs who sympathize with the government didn't like that he did that.

As a private pilot, I am very impressed by your videos, and experience both past and present. Thank you.

"Following the crash, Brittney's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Burley, Gem State Processing, and other entities. They alleged that the placement of the smokestacks posed a known hazard that was ignored, and that the city and involved parties showed negligence and disregard for pilot safety. The lawsuit claims that the smokestacks were constructed without necessary approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and that the city failed to act despite being aware of the danger for years. As of the latest information, the legal proceedings are ongoing, with the city and Gem State Processing denying the allegations. There have been no significant changes reported regarding the smokestacks or the airport's operation since the crash, however Burley officials are moving forward with plans to build a new airport, aiming to improve safety and compliance with FAA standards."

Move the stacks! Pay the relatives! Thank you for the video.

Thanks for this clear and thoughtful presentation

I have to tip my hat to Hoover for the way he explains these situations. I have no background in aviation, but still very much enjoy learning about these situations. Ever since my older brother attended the USAFA and went on to fly A-10's (now retired from the AF). I have had interest in flying, just never got around to pursue it. Thanks Hoover for giving me a better understanding of the process and risks involved, much respect to the pilots out there.

Thanks Hoover. Too bad bureaucrats with the power to set mandates don’t take the responsibility for making sure they’re followed. And shame on that plant for not recognizing that pilots sometimes are unable to walk the fine line that keeps them safe when you fall down on your responsibility. The cost of a few cans of paint was so prohibitive…really? I hope her parents get the right resolution. How hard would it have been to plan this building so the stacks were oriented OUT of alignment with the flight path? It seems so simple.

Who else here thought, "fk the city. They need to have the shit sued out of them?"

Very well done Hoover! Always classy and respectful to the families.

Thank you for the debrief and I hope the family of Brittney gets the justice they deserve for their daughter so this doesn't happen again

As of last month those stacks still aren't painted. Sounds like the town wants that airport gone for the land. It is riverfront property. They certainly aren't concerned with making it accommodating.