Share

cover art for Ep. 39 - Plane Crashes & Forensic Engineering

What the Forensics

Ep. 39 - Plane Crashes & Forensic Engineering

Season 3, Ep. 1

Mayday, mayday! I repeat, mayday, we're going down .... a rabbit hole of information as Journey tells us all about three different plane crashes, SwissAir Flight 111, Flight TWA-800, and MH370. After fueling Journey's own flight anxiety, Rebecca follows up by teaching us about forensic engineering and its importance in solving the questions around why certain things may not work the way they're supposed to. 

Listener’s discretion is advised as there is discussion of: mass death/casualties, plane crashes, and suicide.

Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:
Facebook: @whattheforensics
Instagram: @whattheforenics
Twitter: @WTForensicsPC
YouTube: @whattheforensics

For more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at www.whattheforensics.ca

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 15. Ep. 70 - Legs & Regs: The World of Wildlife Forensics

    01:07:52
    From the dense jungles of the Amazon to the vast savannas of Africa, wildlife forensics experts are on the front lines of the battle to protect endangered species from poaching, illegal trafficking, and habitat destruction. In this episode we discuss the intricacies of what it takes to protect the numerous species on this planet. Rebecca leads us in an amazing conversation about the legislation and regulations surrounding wildlife forensics as well as the importance of having these things. Nicole then educates on how wildlife forensics impacts reptiles specifically and shares with us a very 'illuminating' forensic corner. This is one episode you won't want to miss. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 14. Ep. 69 - Dumb Criminals & How to NOT Get Away with Murder

    01:13:25
    This week we each found a number of cases with some exceptionally dumb criminals. Alternating through them you get to learn about some dumb cases, dumb alibis, and some relatively successful fingerprint removal techniques. This has got to be our funniest episode so far and we hope you enjoy because we would love to do some more like this. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 13. Ep. 68 - Twisted Desires: Inside the Mind of Jerry Brudos & Fetish Killers

    01:07:18
    In this weeks episode, we delve into the disturbing realm of fetish killers, focusing on the heinous crimes of Jerry Brudos and the psychological motivations behind such depraved acts along with when a fetish can turn into a disorder. Jerry Brudos, infamously known as the "Shoe Fetish Slayer" or the "Lust Killer," is our focal point in this episode. Operating in the Pacific Northwest during the late 1960s, Brudos terrorized the region with a series of brutal murders that were fueled by his obsession with women's shoes and undergarments. As we examine Brudos's case in detail, we also shine a light on the broader phenomenon of fetish killers, exploring the underlying psychological factors that drive individuals to commit murder in pursuit of their sexual fetishes. Join us as we journey into the depths of depravity, where fantasies turn deadly and the line between desire and destruction becomes disturbingly blurred.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 12. Ep. 67 - Silent Shadows: The Legacy of Contract Killers

    53:43
    In this episode we delve into the clandestine world of contract killers, exploring the chilling tales of Richard Kuklinski and John Wilkes Booth, two figures whose names are synonymous with treachery and assassination. Operating in the shadows of the criminal underworld, Kuklinski gained infamy for his cold-blooded demeanor and ruthless efficiency. With a penchant for violence and a reputation for discretion, he carried out numerous murders for hire, earning him a fearsome reputation among his peers and law enforcement alike. Next, we turn our gaze to the infamous John Wilkes Booth, whose name is forever etched in history as the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Booth's heinous act, carried out in the midst of the Civil War, sent shockwaves through the nation and forever altered the course of American history. We shine a light on the hidden motivations and chilling methods employed by contract killers throughout history, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of society. Join us as we journey into the silent shadows, where the line between right and wrong blurs and the price of a life is measured in blood.This episode does contain spoilers for the TV show Dexter but seeing as the spoilers are from 2006, you'll probably survive...Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 11. Ep. 66 - Deception Unraveled: The Gypsy Rose Blanchard Story

    01:32:05
    We explore the tragic and complex case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose story of deception, abuse, and murder captured the nation's attention and sparked a debate on the ethics of caregiving, the criminal justice system, and the media's portrayal of victims and villains. For years, Gypsy was subjected to unnecessary medical treatments, surgeries, and drugs. She was confined to a wheelchair, her head was shaved to mimic the appearance of a chemotherapy patient, and she was fed through a feeding tube. The deception was so complete that Gypsy herself was unsure of what was real and what was not regarding her health. We explore Gypsy's life with her mother, Dee Dee, the psychological impact of the abuse, and the desperate plea for freedom that led her to conspire with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill Dee Dee. The episode examines the intricacies of the case, including the legal battles that ensued, the plea deals, and the public's reaction to the unfolding story. Join us as we journey into the depths of one of the most perplexing true crime stories of our time and discuss if someone can be both a victim and a murderer.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 10. Ep. 65 - Part 2: The Evolution of Behavioural Analysis

    01:05:05
    Building upon the case we covered in Part 1, we delve deeper into the haunting legacy of the Atlanta Child Murders, exploring the intersection of behavioral analysis, historical precedent, and the relentless pursuit of justice led by FBI Behavioral Analyst John Douglas. We explore the history of Behavioural Analysis through famous case studies such as Jack the Ripper and the Mad Bomber. We don't delve too deeply into those cases because we're hoping to cover them in another episode. But we do go fairly in-depth into the birth of behavioural analysis and how it played a role in the Atlanta Child murders. To end the episode Nicole shares a super heartwarming story about local SPCA graves. Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 9. Ep. 65 - Part 1: Shadows of Terror: The Atlanta Child Murders

    53:56
    We delve into the chilling saga of the Atlanta Child Murders, exploring the intricate web of terror that gripped the city and the relentless pursuit of justice led by FBI Behavioral Analyst John Douglas. Join us as we unravel the harrowing tale of innocence lost, forensic investigation, and the enigmatic figure at the center of it all, Wayne Williams.During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atlanta was plagued by a series of brutal murders that targeted African American children and young adults. As fear swept through the community, law enforcement agencies struggled to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for the heinous crimes. Enter John Douglas, a pioneering figure in criminal profiling whose insights revolutionized the field of behavioral analysis.Central to the narrative is Wayne Williams, a charismatic young man whose connection to several of the victims drew suspicion from law enforcement. As the evidence against Williams mounted, Douglas and his team meticulously built their case, drawing on behavioral analysis and forensic science to unravel the truth behind the Atlanta Child Murders.Listeners will be gripped by the twists and turns of the investigation, from the groundbreaking use of fiber evidence to the dramatic trial that captivated the nation. As the episode unfolds, the shadowy figure of Wayne Williams looms large, leaving viewers questioning where the truth truly lies.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 8. Ep. 64 - The Dozier School for Boys with Dr. Meredith Tise

    56:10
    In this episode, Dr. Meredith Tise discusses the groundbreaking forensic work that has unveiled the truth about the Dozier School, including the discovery of unmarked graves and the identification of long-lost remains. Drawing on her experience, she walks us through the challenges of piecing together a historical crime scene and the importance of forensic science in bringing justice to those who were once forgotten.The Dozier School for Boys, located in Marianna, Florida, gained notoriety for decades of alleged abuse, neglect, and unexplained deaths. Dr. Tise, armed with her forensic knowledge, delves into the chilling history of the institution, exposing the long-buried atrocities that took place behind its gates. Through meticulous analysis of forensic evidence, she pieces together the harrowing stories of the young boys who suffered at the hands of a system meant to rehabilitate but instead became a house of horrors. You hear stories from survivors and family members of children who went to the school and Meredith's experience working on the site. It's definitely an episode you don't want to miss. If you want more from Meredith you can follow her @suncoastforensics on Facebook & Instagram and her website is www.suncoastforensics.com. Thanks again Meredith for coming on our show!Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca
  • 7. Ep. 63 - Burning Secrets: Anthony Kirkland & the Trail of Scorched Remains

    01:14:07
    In this episode we delve into the chilling crimes of Anthony Kirkland, a name that has sent shivers down the spines of many. But that's not all – our episode takes a fascinating turn as we dive into the intricate topic of burnt bones and how experts piece together the puzzle of charred remains, unlocking critical information that could hold the key to solving crimes.As we unravel the layers of Anthony Kirkland's crimes, we'll explore the significance of burnt bones in forensic investigations. Learn about the techniques and technologies that forensic scientists employ to extract crucial details from the ashes, shedding light on the events that transpired and aiding in the pursuit of justice.Interested in learning more about when WTF releases new episodes, contests, and more? Make sure to give us a follow on:Facebook: @whattheforensicsInstagram: @whattheforenicsTwitter: @WTForensicsPCYouTube: @whattheforensicsFor more details about the hosts, episode details, sources, and images related to each episode, check out our website at http://www.whattheforensics.ca