#Aviation #NTSB #FlightCrash #InternMistake #AsianaAirlines
TIL that following an Asiana airline crash in 2012, a summer intern working at the NTSB “confirmed” the names of the flight crew to a local TV news station as Sum Ting Wong, Wi Tu Lo, Ho Lee Fuk, and Bang Ding Ow. The intern and 3 producers from the station were later fired.
🛫 The Asiana Airlines Crash: A Tragic Event
On July 6, 2013, Asiana Airlines Flight 214, a Boeing 777, crash-landed at San Francisco International Airport. The unfortunate incident resulted in the deaths of three passengers and injuries to many others. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
🔍 The NTSB Intern’s Mistake
During the investigation, an intern at the NTSB made a critical error that led to a public outcry. As part of their duties, the intern was tasked with liaising with the media and providing them with accurate information. However, in a shocking turn of events, the intern confirmed the names of the flight crew to a local TV news station as Sum Ting Wong, Wi Tu Lo, Ho Lee Fuk, and Bang Ding Ow. This misinformation was then reported by the station, causing widespread embarrassment and outrage.
💡 Lessons Learned from the Incident
The NTSB and the media were quick to address the mistake and issue public apologies. The intern and three producers from the TV station were promptly fired, and both organizations implemented stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. This unfortunate event served as a wake-up call for the importance of accuracy and diligence in all aspects of aviation reporting.
🔒 Strengthening Protocols and Procedures
In the aftermath of the intern’s mistake, the NTSB and media outlets took steps to bolster their protocols and procedures to prevent similar errors from occurring. Some of the key measures implemented include:
1. Enhanced Training: The NTSB revised its training programs to emphasize the importance of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with sensitive information related to aviation incidents.
2. Verification Processes: Media organizations instituted stricter verification processes to ensure the authenticity of information provided by sources, particularly when it pertains to critical incidents such as aviation crashes.
3. Accountability Measures: Both the NTSB and media outlets introduced accountability measures to hold individuals responsible for inaccurate reporting, with penalties for those who fail to adhere to established protocols.
🔍 The Impact on Aviation Reporting
The intern’s mistake and its aftermath shed light on the critical role of accurate and responsible reporting in aviation incidents. Going forward, the incident prompted a significant shift in the way aviation-related information is shared and verified within the media.
📈 An Increase in Diligence: In the wake of the intern’s error, media outlets have become more diligent in fact-checking and verifying information before reporting on aviation incidents. This heightened scrutiny has resulted in a more cautious and responsible approach to aviation reporting.
🌐 Increased Public Awareness: The incident garnered widespread attention and sparked discussions about the importance of responsible reporting. As a result, the public has become more aware of the need for accurate and reliable information in the aftermath of aviation incidents.
💻 The Role of Social Media: The rise of social media has further underscored the need for responsible reporting on aviation incidents. With news spreading rapidly on digital platforms, the onus is on both the media and individuals to ensure that information is accurate before sharing it with a wider audience.
🔒 Promoting a Culture of Responsibility
The NTSB intern’s mistake serves as a cautionary tale for the aviation industry and the media, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of inaccurate reporting. The incident prompted a collective effort to promote a culture of responsibility and accountability in aviation reporting.
1. Ethics and Integrity: Aviation reporters and organizations have reemphasized the importance of ethics and integrity in reporting, acknowledging the significant impact that irresponsible journalism can have on public perception and trust.
2. Collaboration and Transparency: The incident has spurred greater collaboration and transparency between the NTSB and media outlets, fostering a stronger working relationship based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to accuracy.
3. Continuous Improvement: Both the NTSB and media organizations continue to pursue ongoing improvements in their reporting practices, recognizing that maintaining the highest standards is essential in promoting public safety and confidence in aviation.
🔗 Conclusion
The NTSB intern’s mistake following the Asiana airline crash in 2013 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accuracy, responsibility, and integrity in aviation reporting. The incident prompted a reevaluation of protocols and procedures within the NTSB and media outlets, leading to a renewed focus on diligence and accountability.
Moving forward, the lessons learned from this regrettable event will continue to shape the way aviation incidents are reported, with an emphasis on upholding the highest standards of accuracy and responsibility. As the industry and the media work together to promote a culture of transparency and integrity, the public can have greater confidence in the accuracy of information surrounding aviation incidents.
“So worth it” – the Intern
I remember this, I remember both being appalled and amused.
IIRC an Asian news station got revenge after a US crash when they called the captain “Kent Parker Wright.”
Colbert roasted them too, so good: https://www.cc.com/video/6dlnrd/the-colbert-report-ktvu-tv-on-asiana-airlines-crash
Pho King legend right there.
Oh man thanks for the memories!
SF was the last place I had TV and local news.
I remember that!! The newscasters were so serious too! They’re like..this just in..we now have the names of the pilots involved! And those ridiculous names came on screen! I remember thinking … how stupid are those newscasters?!!
During Martha Burke’s Masters protest at Augusta, one guy held up a sign that said “Make Me Dinner”. He gave his name as Heywood Jablome. A reporter for the Charleston Post and Courier fell for it and his editors did not catch it either.
SNL Version:
Was that the flight when they actually survived the crash but were killed when they got ran over by the fire trucks at the airport?
I remember that afternoon, I was watching the news but not really paying attention, and I heard those names read off n then on the screen I was like wtf 😂 not too long after the news Lady in Sacramento I think was talking about the lottery, walked up to a rando n was like “so what will you spend the money on if you win?” The guy:”buncha cocaine n hookers” n she’s like” noo, that’s not what we were looking for ” pure gold
Wasn’t this crash in 2013?
I saw this broadcast in the Bay Area. We were so stoned and kept replaying it over and over to make sure it was real.
OP got the year wrong, this was in 2013.
Was this crash the one where several people were run over by the emergency vehicles afterwards?
Here is the actual video clip from the broadcast. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrDp5ryO5JI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrDp5ryO5JI)
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I can’t believe they read this on the air.
San Francisco Channel 2 broadcast
I remember that!
Here’s what I want to point out about modern Journalism – reading those names served no purpose. No one needed to know their names, it served no journalistic standards at that point in time.
They deserved to get hosed for that.
The only team of black contestants on The Amazing Race Family Edition had the last name of Black.
I facepalmed every time “The Black Family” came up on screen.
Saw the newscast live – fucking hilarious!
Not only did she read the names (Fuk was pronounced “Fook”), they were also in a graphic listing. Instantly recognizable as a joke, I couldn’t believe they fell for it.
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/people/f/fields-alexander
Funniest part of this story to me is that this guy now works at an NYC law firm and absolutely nothing happened to him. If it were now rather than then he would have never started his career.