The Problem With Aviation Accident Investigations (And How to Fix It) w/ Eckhard Jann

A fully loaded airliner lined up to land on a taxiway where four fuel-packed jets were waiting to depart. A catastrophic crash was avoided—by just 59 feet.

What caused the near-miss? Not a single pilot’s error, but a systemic breakdown: fatigue, communication failures, flawed assumptions, and organizational complacency.

In this episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, I’m joined by Eckhard Jann—former airline captain, aviation safety investigator, and best-selling author of Error One. With over 30 years of experience across airlines, healthcare systems, and global safety organizations, Eckhard shares how accidents are almost always set in motion long before anything "goes wrong."

What actually causes disasters? How do we get better at spotting the first domino before it falls? 

Eckhard shares why “blame the individual” is the most dangerous mindset of all, and how single-plane operators can up their safety management. 

You’ll learn:

• Why human error is never the true starting point of a disaster
• The “Swiss cheese model” of safety and how latent failures align
• How to conduct internal investigations that go beyond surface-level analysis
• Why confidential reporting systems are essential in high-risk industries
• What the aviation world teaches hospitals, banks, and factories about risk
• 3 critical questions every executive should ask to test their safety system
• Why attitude (not skill or knowledge) is the biggest driver of accidents
• How complacency creeps in and what leaders can do to stop it

 

Guest Bio

Eckhard Jann is an author, speaker, pilot, and business consultant, and error management and error culture expert. With over 15 years of experience as a business consultant and more than 35 years in commercial aviation, he brings in-depth expertise in safety and crisis management. In his current role, he supports organizations in implementing robust error management systems and fostering a safety culture that minimizes risks and enhances operational excellence. Eckhard’s goal is to enable sustainable improvements through strategic consulting and proven practices in error management. Drawing on his experience as a pilot and safety manager, he provides teams with practical solutions that have proven effective in aviation. To get a discount on Eckhard’s Investigation Training in September 2025, visit aviationinvestigation.com and use code AEP25.  

 

About Your Host

Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association. 

 

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