Mock Trial Expert Witness

What do you do for a living?

I have my own expert witnessing business. I receive 20% of my income for consulting and 5% for writing. The rest comes from being a flight instructor.

Why are you in court with us today?

I was appointed by the plaintiffs to evaluate the pilot’s error including the pilot’s alleged error for weather and for potential spatial distribution. I’m also here to assess the likelihood that the subject pilot, Reese Campbell, engaged in “scud running”. 

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, then I received my masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from Purdue University. I then wanted to focus more on human factors in aviation, so I chose to get my Ph.D in Aviation with a focus in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Did you review any materials for your investigation?

I reviewed the statements made prepared by the investigator, Drew Hubbard, an eye witness, Shannon Shabid and the pilot’s flight instructor, Aubrey Roy. I also reviewed exhibits related to the crash: Exhibits: 2 and 3, the audio and transcript of the mayday call. Exhibits 4a and 4b, maps indicating the flight plan and the flight path of N985MT. Exhibits 5a-c, crash site photos: Exhibits 6, a photo of N985MT’s landing light found at the crash site. Exhibits 8a-b which is a scan of the pilot’s license respectively. Exhibits 11 and 12 which is the NTSB report and the pilot’s medical certificate.

What errors, if any did the subject pilot make?

The subject pilot made several fatal errors, the pilot choose to engage in scud running and erred by choosing to fly in conditions that were unstable for VFR flight.

What did you conclude in today’s case?

I have not seen any evidence that shows an engine failure. A pilot’s incapacitation can certainly cause a crash in theory. But I have never seen a case were a pilot was unaware of a medical condition that caused them to crash the plane. But I am a pilot not a certificated aircraft mechanic.