Risk Management Magazine

If you took your eyes off the aircraft in front of you, it was very difficult to reacquire it. The ground was covered with snow with little contrast, and the sky was overcast. It was snowing heavily, which produced a dangerous whiteout condition.

So, there I was with my head sticking out of the top of a Stryker. I was new to the unit and had never commanded a Stryker before — let alone in the middle of winter with ice covering everything. What could go wrong?

Looking back, this incident is still vivid in my mind. Some have told me it’s just the cost of doing business. This "business" cost us a Class C mishap. Although no one was hurt and the aircraft was up and flying in just a few days, I couldn’t help but ask myself, "What was I thinking?"