unicate wrote:
It doesn't matter how much AOPA tries to educate, there's a huge portion
of the general public they would never reach. I don't blame the witness
for speculating, I blame the reporter for irresponsibly including that
SPECULATION in the article (although 8 gallons in 2 tanks isn't much
fuel). That's the NTSB's job, and at least *the reporter* should know
that.

Very true. However, how often do you see a report on TV news about a
fire, a killing, etc. in which some nameless character's face is
suddenly thrust upon you so you can hear this moke's deathless opinion?
It's as if the newscasters are saying, "See? This nameless nobody
thinks it's terrible and possibly the work of (terrorists/gangs/the IRS
-- you choose) -- therefore YOU should think so too!"

The rule in tabloid "reporting" is "go for the quote," not "go for the
intelligent quote."

AJ