Air Disasters — Season 7
The disaster is only the beginning of the story.
About this season
Catastrophic incidents in aviation history are meticulously reenacted, providing insight into what went wrong and if the crashes and near-disasters could have been prevented. Accounts from survivors combine with cockpit recordings and computer images to weave the gripping tales, and expert testimony reveals the hows and whys behind the events, some of which have resulted in important changes to aviation safety and regulations.
Episodes (10)
1. Miracle Escape
Aired 13 March 2016 • 45 min
An August 2005 incident in which an Airbus A340 skidded off a runway, endangering the lives of more than 300 people on board, is investigated.
2. Falling from the Sky
Aired 20 March 2016 • 45 min
A passenger jet tries to make it to land when it runs into trouble over the Indian Ocean.
3. Fire Fight
Aired 27 March 2016 • 45 min
A smoke-filled DC-10 makes an emergency landing in Cincinnati and, 90 seconds later, bursts into flames.
4. Missed Approach
Aired 3 April 2016 • 45 min
The 1997 crash of Korean Air Flight 801, which occurred when the crew attempted an instrument landing during a heavy rain storm, is recalled.
5. Hidden Danger
Aired 10 April 2016 • 45 min
Two deadly Boeing 737 crashes during the 1990s are investigated.
6. Panic Over the Pacific
Aired 17 April 2016 • 45 min
The story of China Airlines Flight 006, which almost crashed into the Pacific Ocean after experiencing engine trouble. The investigation of the incident detailed how jet lag and lack of sleep can impact pilots.
7. Out of Sight
Aired 18 September 2016 • 45 min
The investigation into a midair collision over Cerritos, Cal., leads to improvements in how planes are monitored.
8. Fog of War
Aired 25 September 2016 • 45 min
The 1996 crash in Croatia of USAF IFO-21, an executive transport aircraft carrying Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and 34 others, is examined.
9. Vertigo
Aired 2 October 2016 • 45 min
An examination of the crash over the Red Sea in January 2004.
10. Ghost Plane
Aired 9 October 2016 • 45 min
The case of Helios Airways 737, in which a passenger flight circling Athens fails to respond to air-traffic controllers.