INTERVIEW: ‘Curiosity’ looks into the wrecks of the Bermuda Triangle

Discovery Channel’s popular Curiosity series will take a look at one of the strangest and most unexplained areas of the world. On Sunday, Oct. 14 at 9 p.m., the series will turn its skeptical eye on the Bermuda Triangle (also known as Devil’s Triangle) to see whether there’s any credence behind the legends of so many lost aircraft and ships.

Pete Field is an aviation expert who has earned a reputation for investigating plane wrecks around the world. He’s prominently featured in the upcoming Curiosity episode, and he recently took some time to exchange emails with Hollywood Soapbox.

Why do you think pilots and average people are so fascinated with the Bermuda Triangle?

People in general, average or not, have a natural curiosity for that which is not understood. Flying in the Bermuda Triangle can be a piece of cake when the weather is nice; alternatively, thunderstorms can pop up quite rapidly, and their electrical activity can certainly have a substantial effect on wet compasses, which all airplanes, ships and boats use. I do not believe there is some sort of strange phenomena at work in the Bermuda Triangle.

From your expertise, do you find that there’s something strange about this area?

Flying over the open ocean is decidedly different from flying over land. There are no good land marks excepting the odd small island. Unless you are dead on with your navigation and the weather is clear, you may not see landmarks unless you are lucky enough to be spot on.

What could be the cause of so many wrecks?

Novice pilots flying into an environment they are not well trained to operate in and the ease of getting lost over the open ocean.

How did you get involved in this field?

I do legal consulting for law firms on aircraft accidents. I am a former Marine fighter pilot and test pilot, and I have designed airplanes at McDonnell Douglas. So I know a lot about aircraft and aircraft design, and I have over 7,000 hours. So for me now, I have a real blessing to be able to use my expertise to help people sort out aviation problems.

How did you link up with Discovery for this episode?

I don’t have any association with the Discovery Channel other than I really like their programming. A film studio in London contacted me proposing a program format they hoped they would be able to sell to Discovery — apparently they were successful.

Of all the aircraft you’ve flown, do you have a favorite flying experience?

I think flying the F-4 Phantom was probably one of the best experiences — a very manly, very complex and capable supersonic fighter. On the other hand, flying the F/A-18 in the initial development program (flight test) and commanding the first F/A-18 Squadron was a real charge as well. All of the Navy aircraft I’ve flown had their “goods” and “bads,” but on the whole flying these airplanes off the deck of a carrier day and night was a real charge.

What are your personal experiences of flying over the Bermuda Triangle?

I have flown military aircraft through the Bermuda Triangle and spent a deployment at NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico for several months. My first night carrier qualifications were done in the Bermuda Triangle. Nothing unusual has ever happened to me.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Curiosity will air Sunday, Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel.