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Crash Course
On a cold winter night, a passenger jet with 189 aboard crash landed, out of fuel, in a suburban neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Ten people died. The pilot was blamed and stripped of his career, and a sweeping transformation of flight-crew training took place that made United Flight 173 (in)famous worldwide as the model for failure and change. That was only the half of it.
Hiding in plain sight for years in an attorney’s file boxes, the forgotten truths of the landmark air disaster reveal much more: an emotional journey tethered to the disgraced pilot and a three-year-old girl who survived the crash and became an unlikely hero for justice and public safety in the dramatic legal battle that followed.
Crash Course, by award-winning journalist Julie Whipple, is the long-overdue, true story of a misunderstood airline tragedy that changed more about our daily lives than most people know. Here is why we’re safer today, how we’re not, and what we can do about it.
Hiding in plain sight for years in an attorney’s file boxes, the forgotten truths of the landmark air disaster reveal much more: an emotional journey tethered to the disgraced pilot and a three-year-old girl who survived the crash and became an unlikely hero for justice and public safety in the dramatic legal battle that followed.
Crash Course, by award-winning journalist Julie Whipple, is the long-overdue, true story of a misunderstood airline tragedy that changed more about our daily lives than most people know. Here is why we’re safer today, how we’re not, and what we can do about it.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
31 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Julie Whipple
3 books5 followersJulie Whipple is a writer and educator living in Portland, Oregon. She holds an MFA in creative writing with an emphasis on nonfiction, and has worked as a journalist in Kenya and Tanzania where she was the East Africa correspondent for the London-based, weekly news magazine Africa Economic Digest. She also filed stories for the London Observer, South Magazine, Radio France International and Deutsche Welle among others. In the United States, her work has been published in the Christian Science Monitor, The Oregonian, the Portland Business Journal, and Portland Monthly Magazine. She is the recipient of a Kellogg Award for Reporting and holds professional memberships in the Authors Guild and PEN America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 16, 2024
Narrated by Heather Henderson.
Wow. This was far more captivating than I was expecting it to be!
It was a 'listen now' on Netgalley that I opted for mostly for lack of audio options. I was curious, but this gripped me immediately and I ended up really enjoying it.
It tells of United Flight 173, bound for Portland, Oregon, on December 28th, 1978. The plane crash-landed in a Portland neighbourhood, killing ten of the 189 on board. The crash had massive repercussions, not just for those involved directly but for aviation safety and cases of corporate vs consumer, among other things.
I do love my true crime, so the first part detailing the crash was fascinating. It was interesting to hear motivations behind decisions and what some of the thought processes were. This book does a great job of blending fact with storytelling, so it's never dry in delivery. The narrator helps bring the story alive with real people in the spotlight, and I did get quite invested in what happened to these people.
What follows the incident is a whole lot of finger-pointing and bureaucratic BS, and it's quite awful to listen to. There was negligence on the part of United Airlines, but as a large corporate entity they were more concerned in throwing money at making the problem go away. It never fails to distress me when I hear these stories of the justice system failing the people it's supposed to protect.
The layout of the book is fantastic - we get the incident, the practical consequences then finish with the personal impacts. It addresses the incident with respect to those involved, but doesn't shy away from calling out the wrongdoing either. It's a well-rounded, carefully researched account.
The narration was fantastic - a lively, easy to listen to voice that communicated the story brilliantly. It was essentially like listening to a crime podcast.
An intriguing, well told account that I'd easily recommend to true crime fans and those who enjoy similar podcasts.
With thanks to Netgalley for an audio ARC
Wow. This was far more captivating than I was expecting it to be!
It was a 'listen now' on Netgalley that I opted for mostly for lack of audio options. I was curious, but this gripped me immediately and I ended up really enjoying it.
It tells of United Flight 173, bound for Portland, Oregon, on December 28th, 1978. The plane crash-landed in a Portland neighbourhood, killing ten of the 189 on board. The crash had massive repercussions, not just for those involved directly but for aviation safety and cases of corporate vs consumer, among other things.
I do love my true crime, so the first part detailing the crash was fascinating. It was interesting to hear motivations behind decisions and what some of the thought processes were. This book does a great job of blending fact with storytelling, so it's never dry in delivery. The narrator helps bring the story alive with real people in the spotlight, and I did get quite invested in what happened to these people.
What follows the incident is a whole lot of finger-pointing and bureaucratic BS, and it's quite awful to listen to. There was negligence on the part of United Airlines, but as a large corporate entity they were more concerned in throwing money at making the problem go away. It never fails to distress me when I hear these stories of the justice system failing the people it's supposed to protect.
The layout of the book is fantastic - we get the incident, the practical consequences then finish with the personal impacts. It addresses the incident with respect to those involved, but doesn't shy away from calling out the wrongdoing either. It's a well-rounded, carefully researched account.
The narration was fantastic - a lively, easy to listen to voice that communicated the story brilliantly. It was essentially like listening to a crime podcast.
An intriguing, well told account that I'd easily recommend to true crime fans and those who enjoy similar podcasts.
With thanks to Netgalley for an audio ARC
December 21, 2018
This book is about air passenger jet number 189 that crashed into a Portland, Oregon neighborhood. The investigation’s findings led to major transformation changes in training. Then United Flight 173 crash also brought about sweeping changes in regulations.
This book is well written and researched. Whipple is a journalist and the book reveals her investigation and writing skills. The book is very easy to read and understand for the lay person. The author not only explains the investigations of the crashes but presents the exciting courtroom drama as well. This is an excellent read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and eight minutes. Heather Henderson does an good job narrating the book. Henderson is a voice actress and audiobook narrator. She has won several Earphone Awards as well as the 2013 Best Children’s Audiobook Narrator Award.
This book is well written and researched. Whipple is a journalist and the book reveals her investigation and writing skills. The book is very easy to read and understand for the lay person. The author not only explains the investigations of the crashes but presents the exciting courtroom drama as well. This is an excellent read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and eight minutes. Heather Henderson does an good job narrating the book. Henderson is a voice actress and audiobook narrator. She has won several Earphone Awards as well as the 2013 Best Children’s Audiobook Narrator Award.
March 7, 2024
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.
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.
March 29, 2024
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I had never heard of this 1978 crash in Portland, Oregon. Luckily, most of the passengers survived, but many suffered lifelong effects such as PTSD. The book discusses what happened and dives into the legal battles that followed. Whipple, the daughter of the lawyer who handled one such lawsuit, focuses mainly on her father's case, which involved the personal injury lawsuit of a small child injured in the crash. She lost her entire family (parents and two sisters) and was suffering from not only physical injuries but emotional and mental as well.
I thought the book was well-researched and well-written. Although it describes a horrific event, the author doesn't spend too much time on gory details, which is nice. Even though it was a nonfiction book, I was utterly invested in the outcome of little Lisa's trial. She suffered so much, and I wanted a good outcome for her. I rejoiced when the jury gave her compensation and was morally outraged by the airline's callous, reckless behavior.
Overall, this book seems like a good pick for readers who enjoy a mix of true crime, legal drama, and human interest stories, all presented in a well-written and informative way.
I thought the book was well-researched and well-written. Although it describes a horrific event, the author doesn't spend too much time on gory details, which is nice. Even though it was a nonfiction book, I was utterly invested in the outcome of little Lisa's trial. She suffered so much, and I wanted a good outcome for her. I rejoiced when the jury gave her compensation and was morally outraged by the airline's callous, reckless behavior.
Overall, this book seems like a good pick for readers who enjoy a mix of true crime, legal drama, and human interest stories, all presented in a well-written and informative way.
July 31, 2021
This exquisitely written and artfully crafted nonfiction book examines the many contributing factors in an United Airline plane that ran out of gas and crashed on the outskirts of Portland in the 1970s. Ten people died, including the parents of an orphaned nine-year-old girl, whose relatives sought the truth behind the disaster. The airline blamed the pilot. However, the story disinterred by Whipple from legal documents reveals an air carrier with a lengthy pattern of neglected maintenance, malfunctioning instruments, flawed equipment designs, concealed information, a profits-first corporate culture, and a rush to blame and disgrace the pilot. Besides a great read and an epic courtroom drama, "Crash Course" highlights the many airline safety improvements spawned by this legal battle, and the many legal protections the industry subsequently pressed into federal law.
February 6, 2021
Just a little shameless horn tooting here thanks to Writer's Digest. Crash Course earned one of three Honorable Mentions in the 28th Annual Self-Published Book Awards competition (2020). The very kind words from the judge made my day!
"This is one of the best books I’ve read in some time. The story is interesting, it’s well researched, well written, and the author does a fantastic job of building tension and giving the reader relief. It was hard to put this book down. After each chapter, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. What would happen to the pilot? What would happen to the girl who lost her family? Perhaps, one of the best moments in the book is during the plane crash. The timing and pace matches the frantic atmosphere of the flight crew. While the moments leading up to, and during the plane crash, are gripping, the most interesting parts of the book are to come. The crash happened a long time ago, so the author expertly leads us through the years after. Whether you are interested in planes or not, the high drama that plays out in this book should be of interest to most readers.
Again, the structure, pacing and organization are paramount in this book. They are so well done. But, the design of the book is also really well done. The cover design is unique, intriguing and contemporary. While a reader shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, this is a cover that will make a reader pick up this book."
"This is one of the best books I’ve read in some time. The story is interesting, it’s well researched, well written, and the author does a fantastic job of building tension and giving the reader relief. It was hard to put this book down. After each chapter, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. What would happen to the pilot? What would happen to the girl who lost her family? Perhaps, one of the best moments in the book is during the plane crash. The timing and pace matches the frantic atmosphere of the flight crew. While the moments leading up to, and during the plane crash, are gripping, the most interesting parts of the book are to come. The crash happened a long time ago, so the author expertly leads us through the years after. Whether you are interested in planes or not, the high drama that plays out in this book should be of interest to most readers.
Again, the structure, pacing and organization are paramount in this book. They are so well done. But, the design of the book is also really well done. The cover design is unique, intriguing and contemporary. While a reader shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, this is a cover that will make a reader pick up this book."
August 12, 2019
This book is about the crash of United Airlines flight 173 in Portland back in December 1978. Most contemporary accounts of the crash fault the captain, Malburn McBroom, and his crew, for being so preoccupied with a landing gear problem that they failed to properly manage the remaining fuel, so the airplane ran out of gas and crashed.
However, like most complex systems failures, there were many other contributing factors, including United Airlines' negligence in not properly maintaining the landing gear on DC-8 airplanes. This was the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by the author's father, a Portland-based attorney, back in 1984 against United on behalf of an (at the time) eight-year-old survivor of the crash, who was both severely injured and also lost her entire immediate family in the accident. The suit not only highlighted United's role in the disaster but also their callous attempts to try and avoid punitive damages, which they successfully did in an ultimate appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court -- in a ruling that is, as the author clearly shows, patently unconstitutional.
Whipple's book is as much a comprehensive account of the accident, filling in the gaps in the NTSB's original report, as it is an indictment of our entire legal system that favors powerful, moneyed corporations, a situation that has only gotten worse in the intervening four decades. She methodically describes how it would be nearly impossible to bring such a suit today, what with unnecessary caps on punitive damage awards to address a perception (though not a reality) that they are "out of control", the ability for corporations to deduct punitive damages from their taxes (in other words, forcing the American taxpayer to subsidize corporate wrongdoing), the increased use of forced arbitration in consumer contracts, and many other egregious practices that have weakened the already tenuous hope that the average customer could seek redress for negligence in the courts.
For a small-print, self-published book, Whipple's book is surprisingly well-written and thoroughly researched and brings to light many lessons beyond just those of the accident itself. It should be required reading for anyone interested in systems safety or modern consumer jurisprudence.
However, like most complex systems failures, there were many other contributing factors, including United Airlines' negligence in not properly maintaining the landing gear on DC-8 airplanes. This was the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by the author's father, a Portland-based attorney, back in 1984 against United on behalf of an (at the time) eight-year-old survivor of the crash, who was both severely injured and also lost her entire immediate family in the accident. The suit not only highlighted United's role in the disaster but also their callous attempts to try and avoid punitive damages, which they successfully did in an ultimate appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court -- in a ruling that is, as the author clearly shows, patently unconstitutional.
Whipple's book is as much a comprehensive account of the accident, filling in the gaps in the NTSB's original report, as it is an indictment of our entire legal system that favors powerful, moneyed corporations, a situation that has only gotten worse in the intervening four decades. She methodically describes how it would be nearly impossible to bring such a suit today, what with unnecessary caps on punitive damage awards to address a perception (though not a reality) that they are "out of control", the ability for corporations to deduct punitive damages from their taxes (in other words, forcing the American taxpayer to subsidize corporate wrongdoing), the increased use of forced arbitration in consumer contracts, and many other egregious practices that have weakened the already tenuous hope that the average customer could seek redress for negligence in the courts.
For a small-print, self-published book, Whipple's book is surprisingly well-written and thoroughly researched and brings to light many lessons beyond just those of the accident itself. It should be required reading for anyone interested in systems safety or modern consumer jurisprudence.
March 12, 2024
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.
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.
March 14, 2024
After the crash landing of United flight 173, there were many questions, and one of the first was who was at fault. The captain, unfortunately, lost his career over the crash. With 189 people on board, and ten deaths, there were numerous inquiries as to what went wrong.
As time passed, there were some that settled out of court, but one, a young girl named Lisa, brought her case before the court - and it was set to be an explosive finding.
Given that there were several maintenance issues that had not been corrected, lax practices, and much more - it was only a matter of time before someone challenged the giant. United was posting record sales, sharing numbers with their investors, but why were they not putting this money back into planes? Why were they allowing issues to remain, instead of fixing them?
This and other questions would be ones that would have to be answered to in a court of law, and of course, would change the way that plane crash investigations would occur in the future.
I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the start. I enjoy the science behind the investigations into the crashes, what and why they happened. When crashes take lives, it is a horrific aftermath. The case of young Lisa and the practices of United Airlines was compelling and horrible all at the same time. Having lost her entire family in the crash, there were mental and physical issues that she would have to endure for many years.
Highly recommend this book!
As time passed, there were some that settled out of court, but one, a young girl named Lisa, brought her case before the court - and it was set to be an explosive finding.
Given that there were several maintenance issues that had not been corrected, lax practices, and much more - it was only a matter of time before someone challenged the giant. United was posting record sales, sharing numbers with their investors, but why were they not putting this money back into planes? Why were they allowing issues to remain, instead of fixing them?
This and other questions would be ones that would have to be answered to in a court of law, and of course, would change the way that plane crash investigations would occur in the future.
I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the start. I enjoy the science behind the investigations into the crashes, what and why they happened. When crashes take lives, it is a horrific aftermath. The case of young Lisa and the practices of United Airlines was compelling and horrible all at the same time. Having lost her entire family in the crash, there were mental and physical issues that she would have to endure for many years.
Highly recommend this book!
January 12, 2019
I didn't know anything about the plane crash of United Flight 173. Having watched Weather Channel's "Why Planes Crash" and Smithsonian's "Air Disasters", I'm rather intrigued by the people and the investigation into any crash.
Crash Course covers so many aspects that it really holds ones attention. From the crash to the aftermath and trial, Ms. Whipple delves into how such a traumatic event affects not just the people but the community as well. I was astonished to read about how lackadaisical the investigators were. "I was aware that within a few days after the accident the landing gear parts were sold for salvage and I assume melted down. To my knowledge, nothing was saved" - statement from Capt McBroom. HOW could the airline be allowed to do this when the accident involved faulty landing gear??? HOW could the plane run out of fuel???
Ms. Whipple brings the reader into the story and makes us care about the people involved. Reading about the trial and how the system favored the airline over victims was eye opening.
A great read that will take you from the beginning of the crisis to the conclusion.
Crash Course covers so many aspects that it really holds ones attention. From the crash to the aftermath and trial, Ms. Whipple delves into how such a traumatic event affects not just the people but the community as well. I was astonished to read about how lackadaisical the investigators were. "I was aware that within a few days after the accident the landing gear parts were sold for salvage and I assume melted down. To my knowledge, nothing was saved" - statement from Capt McBroom. HOW could the airline be allowed to do this when the accident involved faulty landing gear??? HOW could the plane run out of fuel???
Ms. Whipple brings the reader into the story and makes us care about the people involved. Reading about the trial and how the system favored the airline over victims was eye opening.
A great read that will take you from the beginning of the crisis to the conclusion.
April 2, 2024
Excellent and heartbreaking account of United Flight 173 crash and the legal proceedings that resulted. This is one of those books that's hard to pick up because you don't actually want to know "how the meat is made," so to speak, but it's a truly an important read.
Ultimately, by the end, I'm not terrified to get on a plane (I've never had a fear of flying), but I will certainly bring a car seat instead of letting my babies fly as 'lap children.'
It's well written, surprisingly concise for a nonfiction such as this, and the audiobook narration is great too. Heather Henderson is clear and lends a gravity to the text while still sounding human. I was able to listen at a quick speed because she's so clear and crisp.
This book reminded me of reading Radium Girls by Kate Moore and Fire Underground by David DeKok. All 3 nonfiction books made me cry and rage and want to take care what goes on around me. Always treasure people over corporations!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press.
Ultimately, by the end, I'm not terrified to get on a plane (I've never had a fear of flying), but I will certainly bring a car seat instead of letting my babies fly as 'lap children.'
It's well written, surprisingly concise for a nonfiction such as this, and the audiobook narration is great too. Heather Henderson is clear and lends a gravity to the text while still sounding human. I was able to listen at a quick speed because she's so clear and crisp.
This book reminded me of reading Radium Girls by Kate Moore and Fire Underground by David DeKok. All 3 nonfiction books made me cry and rage and want to take care what goes on around me. Always treasure people over corporations!
Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press.
May 6, 2018
“Crash Course” by Julie Whipple
Last summer my niece Leah Nosack invited her family and her life long best friend Julie Whipple on a whale watching boat trip off the coast from Depot Bay, Oregon. At that time Julie mentioned to me that she was writing a book about a Portland Oregon plane crash that happened in 1978. She gave me a few details of the book, which sounded fascinating. I told her I would I like to read the book when it was finished. I have now read “Crash Course” that has recorder the devastation that affected everyone involved in that plane crash. Julie’s father, Stewart M. Whipple was the attorney that handled the court case against United Airlines. With Mr. Whipple’s boxes of kept files Julie was able to research and record the data to compile the true account of what happened to United Flight 173 and the 189 people onboard that horrible night when the plane crashed on Burnside Ave. in East Portland.
Last summer my niece Leah Nosack invited her family and her life long best friend Julie Whipple on a whale watching boat trip off the coast from Depot Bay, Oregon. At that time Julie mentioned to me that she was writing a book about a Portland Oregon plane crash that happened in 1978. She gave me a few details of the book, which sounded fascinating. I told her I would I like to read the book when it was finished. I have now read “Crash Course” that has recorder the devastation that affected everyone involved in that plane crash. Julie’s father, Stewart M. Whipple was the attorney that handled the court case against United Airlines. With Mr. Whipple’s boxes of kept files Julie was able to research and record the data to compile the true account of what happened to United Flight 173 and the 189 people onboard that horrible night when the plane crashed on Burnside Ave. in East Portland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
A fascinating read about one of the key events in the history of airline safety. Much of the story would never have come to light without the legal battles that followed. I have some background in healthcare systems safety, which has its roots in air travel systems safety. This book really delves into the interplay of human factors and system factors in the crash. The whole story is a good illustration of the fact that well-trained, well-intentioned people will still inevitably make errors sometimes. The question is whether the system is robust enough to catch those errors in time, or allows them to snowball into disaster. I appreciated the legal context the author provided in describing the fallout from the crash. The precedent established is still significant today, though not in the way I would have guessed. The personal stories of passengers and crew were poignant and told with care.
March 11, 2024
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.
July 10, 2024
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 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.
October 1, 2025
flabbergasted.
As a lifelong Portlander I remember this story. As a new mom at the time I was not following a law suit.
This book was so well written and researched I could not put it down. The accident itself from the viewpoint of those in the cockpit reads like a thriller.
I was surprised at how much of the book dealt with the trial. It’s eye opening. It’s comforting to know there are attorneys who will take on corporate America.
Whipple brings the people affected by this crisis full circle. I t was not just a blow by blow of what happened but a story of individual lives who were connected through this tragedy and how they dealt with trauma.
This is a very well written book.
As a lifelong Portlander I remember this story. As a new mom at the time I was not following a law suit.
This book was so well written and researched I could not put it down. The accident itself from the viewpoint of those in the cockpit reads like a thriller.
I was surprised at how much of the book dealt with the trial. It’s eye opening. It’s comforting to know there are attorneys who will take on corporate America.
Whipple brings the people affected by this crisis full circle. I t was not just a blow by blow of what happened but a story of individual lives who were connected through this tragedy and how they dealt with trauma.
This is a very well written book.
March 23, 2024
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.
Pub August 2, 2018
Thank you to Post Hypnotic Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
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.
Pub August 2, 2018
Thank you to Post Hypnotic Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 25, 2018
I picked this up from the Portland library with high hopes. The subject matter seemed fascinating and I’m a legal nerd but I had a difficult time being engaged in this one. It felt longer than it needed to be and the book binding DROVE ME CRAZY. I could barely read the words on half the pages because the binding was misaligned, talk about a hurdle to over come. All in all it’s an interesting story but the book kind of went on and on where it didn’t need to. The writing style was good but it just needed to be more succinct.
March 13, 2024
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.
March 24, 2024
An awesome account of the United 173 disaster told by the daughter of the lead prosecutor who fought to have the rights of passengers defended and the voices of victims heard. In recounting the events, Julie Whipple also sheds light on the perversions of justice that have occurred since the disaster with respects to judges ruling in favor of corporate interests over customer rights. A great read with connections to sociology, law, psychology, and engineering. Well-written and engaging throughout with great re-read value as a reference.
April 8, 2024
This well researched and gripping account of United Flight 173 explores what happened on that fateful flight that crash landed in 1978, the immediate aftermath and unprecedented legal battles that ensued, as well as the long term personal impacts and traumas of all involved.
This book was structured in a really interesting way, walking the reader through the timeline and themes very clearly and deliberately. The play-by-play from the pilots and crew members during the flight before the crash was both fascinating and horrifying knowing what’s to come. The author handled the facts of the incident and subsequent investigations with respect. My only drawback is that the account of the legal proceedings ran a little long and technical.
Excellent narrator!
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press for the ALC!
This book was structured in a really interesting way, walking the reader through the timeline and themes very clearly and deliberately. The play-by-play from the pilots and crew members during the flight before the crash was both fascinating and horrifying knowing what’s to come. The author handled the facts of the incident and subsequent investigations with respect. My only drawback is that the account of the legal proceedings ran a little long and technical.
Excellent narrator!
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press for the ALC!
April 10, 2024
This was a really fascinating story. I had never heard of this incident before because it happened before I was born but I find plane crashes like this one fascinating. I enjoyed the way the author formatted the book. It made the story very easy to understand and follow. The case itself was interesting and I think the discussion around the airlines liability was extremely fascinating. I enjoyed hearing about Whipple’s personal connection to the story as well. This would be a great read for anyone who has interest in aviation accidents.
May 11, 2024
I appreciate Netflix Galley giving me the opportunity to hear this audiobook. It is based on December 1978 plane crash in Portland, Oregon that I was unaware of.
My biggest takeaway is a my gratitude to the author for sharing the story- in honoring the passengers who passed and the ones who survived, but mostly your father. It was obviously to me he should get a coauthor credit because without the boxes of his work- the history could not have been shared.
My biggest takeaway is a my gratitude to the author for sharing the story- in honoring the passengers who passed and the ones who survived, but mostly your father. It was obviously to me he should get a coauthor credit because without the boxes of his work- the history could not have been shared.
July 13, 2024
interesting book on the crash of united 173 and how the lives are affected after. because the majority of this was the litigation process I started to skim the second half of the book. it does make you think twice though about how so much maintenance is overlooked in commercial airlines and how that directly impacts passengers safety.
May 19, 2025
This is a very well written book - and brought back many memories - UA 173 crashed a few blocks from my parents home my senior year in high school - we heard the plane going down, taking the tops of the trees down by our house. This book details the events that happened that evening and the events after - very informative and written in a manner that the technical pieces make sense.
January 3, 2019
I was too little to remember the crash of United Flight 173 but when I told my mom I was reading this she remembered exactly what they were doing that night. This book is a fascinating look at the crash, its aftermath for aviation, and even the legal system. I highly recommend it.
November 7, 2023
I found this book to be very interesting. I entered x-ray school in June of 1979. I remember fellow technologist who took care of the victims 6 months prior. The litigation was interesting as well as informative.
I feel for the people who live with this memory. I still fly!
I feel for the people who live with this memory. I still fly!
April 12, 2024
This book reads like a true crime documentary, which is exactly why I requested it. It gives great detail of the crash, the technical failures and the experiences of all involved, even a follow up to present day. It is very well done.
I received an audio copy from netgalley for my review.
I received an audio copy from netgalley for my review.
May 6, 2024
United Airlines is evil.
The judges were paid off.
The pilot made a scapegoat.
Absolutely disgraceful.
Nothing has changed.
Fantastic research and information, well narrated.
Audio copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The judges were paid off.
The pilot made a scapegoat.
Absolutely disgraceful.
Nothing has changed.
Fantastic research and information, well narrated.
Audio copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2018
If you fly. Read this. Changed my mind about punitive lawsuits. Well written.
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