On this episode of the Failure Files series, Pipeline Things breaks down the most talked-about safety-related incident in U.S. history: Challenger. Rhett and Christopher discuss the controversial choices made prior to the tragedy and how they hit close to home for anyone in asset integrity, risk management, or decision-making roles. Together, they examine how past success isn't a guarantee of future performance.

Highlights:

• Step-by-step failure chain that led to the Challenger explosion, including the infamous 11th-hour conference call
• The impact of deadlines and groupthink on decision-makers
• How quickly the flip switched between assumption of danger to assumption of safety, and the impacts on decision-making
• How risk communication and organizational pressure led to disaster
• Key takeaways for asset integrity professionals for the day-to-day protection of vital infrastructure

Connect:  

Rhett Dotson  

Christopher De Leon  

D2 Integrity  

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.  

Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 

An Important Note: This episode was filmed before the June 12 plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. The crash involved a Boeing Dreamliner bound for London, and the incident killed more than 240 people. This incident is truly devastating, as are all the incidents that have occurred and resulted in injury and loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this incident.

We hope by bringing an analysis of recent incidents to light, fewer tragic accidents will occur in the future. We believe starting these honest, open conversations is Step 1. We urge all safety professional to take learning from these events very seriously – there is no progress without an honest review and reflection of the past.

The latest episode of Failure Files on Pipeline Things discusses the breakdown of barriers that led to two Boeing plane crashes. These devastating accidents raise questions about cost pressures impact on safety culture and the role of regulatory oversight. Rhett and Christopher discuss how the aviation industry was pressured to give approval, and how this story serves as a cautionary tale for the pipeline industry.

Like many of the failures discussed in this series, it is difficult to name one “bad actor” that enabled these tragedies. In truth, these events are the culmination of many different barriers breaking down under a complex network of business incentives. By arming ourselves with the ability to identify these influences, we are better prepared to make safer decisions in the future.

Highlights:

• Factors and outcomes of the two incidents
• Regulatory processes and blurred lines between safety and a race to revenue-generating business
• Lessons learned for pipeline safety regulatory processes

Connect:  

Rhett Dotson  

Christopher De Leon  

D2 Integrity  

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.  

Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 

Kicking off our Failure Files: Breaking Barriers series, this episode of Pipeline Things covers the infamous BP Macondo well disaster (otherwise known as Deepwater Horizon). Rhett and Christopher discuss the decisions that led to one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history – and what pipeline integrity professionals can learn from it.

Highlights:

• Step-by-step failure chain that led to the Macondo well failure
• The impact of deadlines, budget, and resource-based pressure on decision-making
• How “checking the box” mentality and groupthink cost billions and, ultimately, lives

Connect:  

Rhett Dotson  

Christopher De Leon  

D2 Integrity  

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.  

Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity