I really enjoyed Crash Course by Julie Whipple, which tells the story of United Flight 173 crash landing into Portland, OR neighborhood. This booked hooked me on several levels, being the wife of a pilot who is heavily involved in training other pilots. I appreciated how Julie was able to convey complex details around flight training, flight procedure, airplane maintenance- to name just a few factors contributing to this crash. She also provided a thoughtful look at the widespread legal ramifications of the lawsuits following the crash. (I learned I am more pro tort law than I ever knew!) Finally, Crash Course provides a look at the human factors and responses of those in and impacted by the crash.

I was able to review this book in audio book format, it was easy to follow and informative. Thank you to Julie Whipple and Post Hypnotic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn in by the cover of this book. So when I read the description, it made me think that I was going to be reading, a suspenseful, gripping novel based on a true story. However, I was disappointed. I struggled to complete this book because it read like an article or documentary. It was very informative, but I felt like I was doing homework. It was not exciting to me at all. If it was marketed better, it would not have been disappointing. The cover and description are misleading in my opinion.

Review of “Crash Course: Accidents Don’t Just Happen” by Julie Whipple. Narrated by Heather Henderson.

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an ARC Audio version of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Crash Course: Accidents Don’t Just Happen” by Julie Whipple takes readers on a gripping journey into the heart of the United Flight 173 crash, revealing the untold stories of those affected and the legal battles that followed. Whipple’s engaging narrative, coupled with Heather Henderson’s skilled narration in the audiobook version, brings the harrowing events to life, making it accessible and captivating for all listeners.

Through meticulous research and interesting storytelling, Whipple unveils the layers of corporate negligence and the pursuit of justice, offering readers a deeper understanding of the tragedy’s impact. This book not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the importance of safety regulations in the airline industry and the resilience of those seeking accountability.

“Crash Course” is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation history and legal dramas, offering a poignant reminder of the human stories behind catastrophic events and the quest for truth and justice. Whipple’s narrative resonates long after the last page, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Crash Course - Accidents Don't Just Happen
by Julie Whipple, narrated by Heather Henderson

I don't think I'm going to say much in this review or if I do say it, I'll erase it. The events of this book make me so mad and they started long before the crash of United Flight 173, in Portland, Oregon, on December 28, 1978. Yes, the flight crew made mistakes that night but all the many events and greedy judgements leading up to that night put that flight crew in a horrible position. The book details all of this very well.

The book is full of stats and I enjoyed hearing them. I want to know where cost cutting measures took place. I want to know how human lives are set against profit margins, that those losses of human lives are acceptable only until news of those losses or punitive damages for those losses finally force big business to make changes. But know, even if changes are made, or changes are "said" to be made, companies are working hard to keep bad news out of the news. Laws are made so juries don't even get to make decisions based on all the facts.

Heather Henderson narrates the book and her calm, pleasant voice makes taking in all the statistics easier. She doesn't overact anything, this is not a book that needs any acting. I do admit I shed a few tears toward the end of the book, during the twentieth reunion of the crash, when Captain Malburn "Buddy" McBroom made his appearance at the reunion. So many people suffered from PSTD after this crash, at a time when it wasn't fully recognized and treated. They were on their own to deal with the aftermath of the crash and many lives were lost or altered because of a stinkin' bolt that should of, could of been fixed a thousand times over.

Thank you to Post Hypnotic Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book is just ok, very boring IMO, but very informative. If you are interested in airline history, plane crashes, or legal trials regarding a plane crash, and or legal history regarding plane crashes this book may interest you more. I did listen to the audiobook, and follow along on my Kindle. The narrator spoke very clear, but it was dull reminded me of being in a boring class I was force to sit through, but again so was the book so it won't discourage me from listening to her again. I think the author took time to get the information, details and even information about the crash survivor's. I would read more of her books as well. I think this just isn't interesting to me. I didn't finish looking through the kindle book after the audio finished and she also provided some photos of the plane crash, I give her bonus points for that, I like when true stories provide pictures when possible.

4 ⭐️ - a well-researched, sensitive and informative book about the events and aftermath of United Airlines Flight 173’s crash.

The book begins with the events of the flight through the perspectives of several different passengers and crew members, explaining in depth how they perceived the flight and the crash. It explains the problems with the plane without assuming any technical knowledge or losing the reader’s interest, and delves into the context of the lawsuit and how similar situations had been approached in the past. It was interesting to hear about how these events influenced the future of airline safety, and I particularly enjoyed the epilogue, which revisited some of the key people involved as well as providing the most recent updates related to the crash and similar cases. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in planes or disasters, as it gives a thorough overview of both the crash and the aftermath.