Information and discussion of the crash, investigation, victims and survivors of  Swissair 111, what went wrong, why, who was responsible and how will such tragedies be prevented in the future.

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The publisher, Robert Rimmer robert.rimmer@simonandschuster.co.uk , 14 April, 2000
A Groundbreaking Investigation into Aircraft Safety
Everyone knows that flying is the safest form of transport. Or is it?

Although the figures for fatal accidents seem lower than those by car or train, the comparision is based on distance travelled, which doesn't take into account that most accident occur around takeoff and landing. If the calculations are made by comparing the number of fatalities with the number of journeys made a very different picture emerges. Deaths per 100 million passenger journeys are, on average, 55 for airlines compared with 4.5 for cars, and 2.7 for trains.

In Andrew Weir's THE TOMBSTONE IMPERATIVE aviation safety is examined with a cautious, crtical yet calm manner which does not seek to alarm, but inform, the non-specialist reader.

The Airline Industry Information review by Darren Ingram of THE TOMBSTONE IMPERATIVE said,

"One common thread became evident when reading the book - either the whole industry has got something wrong and they could do more or the author is over egging the fears in order to sell books. Sadly it appears to be the former as the industry could do more, but unfortunately the customer doesn't see the need to pay more for it. Catch 22? Someone should take a lead.

Ten chapters detail the whole world of aviation safety and this provides a lot of thought provoking issues such as just how quickly can an aircraft be evacuated if necessary. When you think just how slowly passengers shuffle on to an aircraft in brilliant light - discounting the time to stow luggage - and think about how quickly they would get off, panicking in a darkened sinking vessel with sirens blaring it is a scary thought. Many seasoned travellers believe that 'trippers' are stupid at the best of times - just wait for an accident to happen and watch those who ignore the safety guides bleat.

Of course, it is not just the passengers. The airlines could do more. They could open up more space on-board, they could change the seating assignments, they could pay close, detailed attention to safety guidance, reports and other factors and then act upon it.

No airline or manufacturer can claim a total moral and legal compliance to this fact. Reading this book will make you think a little bit more about air travel in general...it is compelling, informative reading which everyone who travels should find time to read."