"An engrossing re-creation of an aviation tragedy, blending meticulous analysis with a passionate plea for reform."

—Kirkus Reviews

“Where others see only ‘human error,’ and learn nothing of value (they have their lullaby and ghost story nicely buttoned up, after all), Rossana takes us by the hand and shows us what there is to learn and love instead. Speaking for the dead speaks as loudly for Cesare as it does for everyone who could have been in his shoes. It speaks for the past as much as for the future—our future, and the future of Cesare’s legacy.”

—Dr. Sidney Dekker, Author of THE FIELD GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ‘HUMAN ERROR’

"26 Seconds is at once a searing portrait of grief and a damning investigation of an industry that puts profit over safety at every turn. With an engineer's exactitude, Rossana D'Antonio exposes how blaming "pilot-error" is often a cover for corporate greed and systemic failures. Like so many plane crashes, the flight that killed D'Antonio's brother was not an accident -- and this powerful book is an affecting guide to understanding why."

—Jessie Singer, Author of THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS: THE DEADLY RISE OF INJURY AND DISASTER--WHO PROFITS AND WHO PAYS THE PRICE

“26 Seconds is impossible to put down. You will read it in one sitting. I happily lost a night’s sleep as my heart raced, tears stinging my eyes. Turning page-after-page, I couldn’t read fast enough to see if Rossana’s heroic search to find the 'smoking gun' that would ultimately clear her brother’s name would be uncovered by her ceaseless efforts to research each detail of the disaster.”

—Monica Holloway, Author of DRIVING WITH DEAD PEOPLE

“This story will move you to tears and move you to action — which is to say that it does what a great memoir must do. With the heart of a sister, Rossana takes us inside the life of a brother who loved to fly and died doing it. With the mind of an activist and an engineer, she takes us inside the aviation industry that is far too quick to lay blame on the pilot in the cockpit rather than examine it’s own shortcomings. A riveting read — and an important one for anyone who steps on a plane.” 

—Jennie Nash, CEO, Author Accelerator

“Rossana’s passion for public safety is an impressive legacy that honors not only her brother but also herself. A profound, and well-written journey of healing from a very personal tragedy.”

—Bonnie Comfort, Author of STAYING MARRIED IS THE HARDEST PART: A MEMOIR OF PASSION, SECRETS AND SACRIFICE

“26 Seconds pulls you into a deep personal family crisis on a personal level, where the reader has an unquenchable thirst to get to the truth themselves. It also highlights the author’s defining moment, when she will not let governments and large, influential businesses hide the inconvenient truth by placing blame on 'pilot error.' Because of her valor, she will have saved countless other lives, while also reframing her brother’s death as a hero who saved 130 lives. My hat’s off to Rossana for telling this important story!”

—Maria Lehman, PE Director, US Infrastructure at GHD and Former ASCE 2023 President 

“A very personal, heart-wrenching story. I came away so inspired by grief transformed into a positive mission.” 

—Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., Commissioner Emeritus, Atlanta Department of Transportation

“Rossana has woven a deeply personal narrative of loss. This is a compelling book with an important message for all of us to be catalysts for change. A powerful book!”

—Dr. Feniosky Pena-Mora, Dean of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey