Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cautionary Conversation: Flying on Empty
16 snips
Sep 9, 2022 
Join mathematician and comedian Matt Parker, known for his engaging YouTube presentations and the book 'Humble Pi,' as he dives into the shocking incident of Air Canada Flight 143. Discover how a unit conversion error led to a near-fatal fuel miscalculation. Parker explores other high-stakes miscalculations in aviation, like the Mars Climate Orbiter disaster, shedding light on the severe consequences of measurement mistakes. The episode highlights the crucial role of clear communication and mathematical precision in preventing calamities.
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Mars Climate Orbiter
- NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter failed due to a unit conversion error between NASA and Lockheed Martin.
- Lockheed Martin used pound-force, while NASA expected newtons, causing the orbiter to crash.
The Vasa's Asymmetry
- The 17th-century Swedish warship Vasa sank due to asymmetry, likely caused by mixing Swedish and Amsterdam feet.
- Different rulers and inch subdivisions led to a wonky ship, quickly capsizing.
The Second Miscalculation
- After an unscheduled landing, Air Canada Flight 143's crew recalculated the fuel, repeating the same unit conversion error.
- They took off again, still critically low on fuel.
