AINsight: FOD for Thought | Aviation International News

AINsight: FOD for Thought

Foreign objects can lead to serious aircraft incidents and accidents

crashed CH-47D Chinook helicopter — The July 2022 crash of a CH-47D Chinook helicopter fighting a wildfire killed both pilots. “Specific damage to the iPad is likely tied to the cause of the crash,” said NTSB investigator Clint Johnson.

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

November 26, 2024

Foreign object debris (FOD) is a contributor to aircraft damage, serious incidents, and accidents in aviation. The problem is large and continues to grow. FAA reports suggest that FOD costs the U.S. aviation industry nearly $500 million annually; it is not only costly but can be deadly.

It is easy to see how the costs add up. Last year, a single misplaced flashlight caused $4 million in damage to the engine of a U.S. Air Force Lockheed F-35A. Following this mishap, an Air Force Times article stated that FOD was one factor that caused the number of ground accidents to nearly double from 2022 to 2023.

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Contributor - Safety

About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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