Ep 6. Storming Out

In season 11 episode 6 of Air Disasters titled "Storming Out," viewers will witness a catastrophic accident that took place on November 10, 1996. On that fateful day, a Nigerian Airways Flight 74 had taken off from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was making its way to Lagos, Nigeria, with a stopover in Kano. The aircraft was carrying 142 passengers and an 11-member crew.

The Boeing 747, which had been in service for more than 23 years, was experiencing turbulence as it flew towards its destination. The captain, who had over 12,000 flight hours under his belt, was aware of the approaching storm and tried to fly around it. However, the turbulence was too severe, and the plane experienced sudden drops in altitude, resulting in serious injuries to passengers and the crew.

As the storm worsened, the plane's radar and communication systems malfunctioned, making it challenging to communicate with air traffic control. The pilots were struggling to maintain control of the aircraft, and with visibility impaired, they had to rely heavily on the plane's instruments to keep it flying.

With the storm raging outside, and the plane experiencing severe turbulence, disaster struck. The plane's engine failed, and the pilot declared an emergency to the air traffic control. The crew tried to restart the engine, but their efforts came to no avail. The plane began to lose altitude rapidly, and the crew had no choice but to make an emergency landing in Kano.

The conditions at Kano airport were equally challenging, with heavy rain and thunderstorms making it difficult to land safely. The crew had to rely on their training and skills to navigate the plane safely to the ground. However, they failed to do so, and the Boeing 747 plummeted to the ground, killing all 143 people onboard.

The investigation that followed revealed several factors that contributed to the accident. The age of the aircraft had resulted in several components being worn out, and the airline's maintenance practices had not been adequate. The severe weather conditions, combined with the mechanical failures and the crew's lack of experience in flying in such weather, led to the tragedy.

Air Disasters season 11 episode 6 "Storming Out" is a harrowing reminder of the dangers of flying. It highlights how critical it is to have proper maintenance practices in place guided by stringent regulations that help keep passengers and crew safe. This episode is a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts, passengers, and aspiring pilots, helping them understand the importance of safety when it comes to flying.