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Covering the Tragic Crash in Washington - Our Experts Can Help

Shem Malmquist is an international Boeing 777 captain and experienced accident and safety investigator.

Jan 31, 2025

2 min

Shem Malmquist


The shocking news of an in-air collision in Washington has garnered massive attention from media, airline authorities and industry experts.


Reporters covering the story - rely on experts.  And that's where's Florida Tech's Shem Malmquist was called to lend his expert perspective, insight and opinion on a story that's making international news.




"It just shows that traffic is in our location, there's a potential collision hazard," said Shem Malmquist, a pilot and visiting instructor of general aviation and transport aircraft at the Florida Institute of Technology.

And in certain situations, it will provide guidance for the pilots on how to avoid a collision, he said.

For example, if TCAS believes the pilot needs to pay attention to other air traffic in the area, it may say "traffic traffic," Malmquist said.  January 30 - CBC News




Shem Malmquist, who is a pilot and instructor at the Florida Institute of Technology, said midair collisions are extremely rare. Malmquist said if they happen they normally happen at smaller airports without air traffic control towers like the Lantana Airport.

"The only method of separating traffic is visually, as well as airplanes communicating their positions to other airplanes, and that's going to create more risk," Malmquist said. January 30 - WPTV/NBC News




American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter collided mid-air late Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Officials believe all 64 people aboard the airplane -- 60 passengers, 4 crew members -- and the three people aboard the helicopter are dead. Officials conducted a frantic rescue effort overnight, which transitioned to a recovery effort early Thursday. Many aboard the plane were in Wichita, Kansas for a figure skating competition. Captain Shem Malmquist, an aviation expert at Florida Institute of Technology, joins FOX 35 to talk more about what happened. January 30- Fox News Orlando



Looking to connect with Shem Malmquist regarding this ongoing story?


He's available, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.





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Shem Malmquist

Shem Malmquist

Instructor | College of Aeronautics

Shem Malmquist is an international Boeing 777 captain and experienced accident and safety investigator.

Aircraft OperationsAccident InvestigationSystem Safety EngineeringSafety Analysis

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