In March 2006, the aviation community mourned the tragic loss of TV personality Peter Tomarken and his wife Kathleen in a plane crash near Santa Monica Bay. Tomarken, piloting his Beechcraft Bonanza A36, experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to a controlled ditch into the Pacific Ocean. Despite the aircraft remaining largely intact, both occupants perished, prompting a critical examination of the factors contributing to this devastating outcome.
The Flight Safety Detectives, a team of seasoned aviation experts, delved into the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) final report concerning the Peter Tomarken air crash. Their analysis revealed a crucial finding: a missing cotter pin in the engine assembly. The NTSB report, however, lacked crucial details surrounding this critical failure, such as when the pin might have gone missing, recent maintenance procedures, and inspection protocols. This absence of information represents a missed opportunity to provide valuable learning points for aircraft maintenance personnel and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Further investigation into the docket revealed additional concerning elements. Medical examiners found evidence of blunt force trauma in both victims, and disturbing, drugs were detected in Peter Tomarken’s system. While the precise impact of these substances on Tomarken’s decision-making remains unclear, it raises significant questions about pilot impairment and flight safety. Adding to the complexity, the report notably omitted any discussion regarding the potential role of shoulder harnesses and helmets in mitigating injuries during the crash. These safety devices, commonly advocated for in smaller aircraft, could have potentially altered the outcome for Peter Tomarken and his wife.
The Flight Safety Detectives underscore the vital importance of enhanced safety measures in older aircraft. They strongly recommend the installation of airframe-mounted shoulder harnesses in all older planes. Furthermore, they advocate for the routine use of helmets by all small aircraft pilots, regardless of experience level. These recommendations stem directly from the Peter Tomarken tragedy and serve as critical reminders of the often-overlooked safety measures that can be life-saving in aviation emergencies.
To gain deeper insights into aviation safety and learn more from the Flight Safety Detectives, subscribe to their Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel and explore their Flight Safety Detectives website.
Music licensed by Jamendo Licensing: [Upbeat Inspiration by Paul Werner](https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Inspiration_Paul_Werner3.pdf) and [Upbeat Technology Corporate by Forest Music](https://flightsafetydetectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Certificate_Upbeat_Technology_Corporate_ForestMusic2.pdf)
