BROKEN WINGS reveals the tragedy of Alaska civil aviation from early bush pilots to modern jetliners, providing a unique perspective on the technology and human factors involved in aircraft mishaps. Written with expert analysis of aircraft operations, pilot procedures, weather phenomenon and aviation systems, the thirty stories detail major flying disasters in The Last Frontier, including some of the deadliest air crashes in United States history. Nowhere have civil aircraft accidents been as prevalent as in Alaska. The progression of unfortunate events and often unforeseen consequences not only offers a historical perspective on the development of aviation, but is an enduring example of the failure of even the best designed aircraft and the experienced pilots who fly them.