Ep 7. Explosive Evidence

In episode 7 of Air Disasters Season 1, entitled Explosive Evidence, viewers are taken back to May 11, 1996, to examine the tragic crash of ValuJet Flight 592. The flight, which was scheduled to fly from Miami, FL to Atlanta, GA, instead went down mere minutes after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all 110 passengers and crew members on board.

From the outset, viewers witness the buildup towards the doomed flight. ValuJet, a budget airline known for taking shortcuts, was in the process of merging with Airways Corporation, a larger, more established airline, at the time of the crash. This merger was causing some turbulence within the company, as ValuJet executives were being pressured to maintain their cost-cutting measures while complying with Airways' safety standards. One issue that had been a source of contention was their handling of hazardous materials on board their planes.

The investigation into the ValuJet crash revealed that an unopened oxygen generator canister - which was essentially a can of explosive powder - had been shipped on Flight 592 in the cargo hold. While the canister was technically classified as a hazardous material, it had been improperly labeled and packaged. The generator had insufficiently secured to its base and placed near the fuselage that had a history of corrosion leading to holes in a prior flight.

Just 11 minutes into the flight, a loud explosion was heard, which was later determined to be the oxygen generator canister exploding in the plane's cargo hold. This caused a fire that quickly spread, resulting in the plane being destroyed and everyone onboard being killed. Eyewitness accounts and cockpit voice recordings from the time of the explosion provide chilling glimpses into the chaos and confusion that ensued in the cockpit.

The episode also delves into the investigation that followed the crash, which was a complex and wide-reaching process. The FAA, NTSB, FBI, and even the United States Congress all launched inquiries to determine the cause of the crash and determine who was responsible for the tragic loss of life.

Throughout Explosive Evidence, viewers are given a detailed look at the intricate process behind air crash investigations. From piecing together wreckage to performing interviews with witnesses and experts, investigators work tirelessly to uncover every piece of evidence that could shed light on what happened. The episode also highlights the emotional toll that these investigations can take on the families of the victims, who become consumed with grief and a desire for answers.

Overall, Air Disasters Season 1 episode 7 provides a sobering reminder of the importance of airline safety and the devastating consequences that can occur when shortcuts are taken. Explosive Evidence is an expertly crafted episode that balances its heartbreaking subject matter with informative and engaging storytelling, making it an absolute must-watch for fans of true crime and aviation.