Ep 9. Fatal Distraction

On Air Disasters Season 1 Episode 9, titled Fatal Distraction, viewers will witness the gripping and heartbreaking story of a fatal accident that occurred on August 21, 1994, and took the lives of 132 of 146 passengers and crew members. The tragedy took place on board a busy commuter flight 427 from Chicago to Pittsburgh that was operated by USAir and had a stop in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

The flight was uneventful until it reached cruising altitude, where something went terribly wrong. Without warning, the airplane started to bank and dive, and the pilots struggled to regain control of the plane. Passengers heard screams and witnessed the airplane start to spiral. With no time to react, the plane crashed into a heavily wooded area near the town of Hopewell, about 20 miles from Pittsburgh.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was called in to investigate the accident and determine the cause. The episode delves into the various theories and factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident. The NTSB found that a mechanism responsible for controlling the airplane's rudder, called the power-control unit (PCU), had malfunctioned. What's more, the episode reveals that the airline had received numerous complaints about the PCU before the accident but had failed to address the issue.

Viewers will also learn about the contributions of the NTSB and how accident investigations have led to new safety measures in aviation. The episode highlights the importance of transparency in accident investigations and how the findings can improve aviation safety, potentially preventing future tragedies.

Overall, Fatal Distraction is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that explores the human and technical factors that can lead to aviation disasters. Viewers will gain a new appreciation for the complexity of air travel and be reminded of the importance of safety measures that are implemented in response to catastrophic accidents. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or interested in learning more about the history of air disasters, this episode is sure to captivate your attention.