David Owen investigates the different factors involved in aviation accidents, from severe weather conditions to pilot error and inadequate aircraft maintenance, illustrating each type of event by means of crucial incidents. He also examines the present-day state of aviation safety worldwide and the challenges facing this rapidly expanding industry.

DAVID OWEN worked as an aerospace engineer before becoming a writer. He has had more than a dozen books published on aspects of aviation, motor sport engineering design and military history, and has worked extensively in radio and television. He lives in Chester.