Ep 7. Caught on Tape

The world of aviation has always been a double-edged sword, providing tremendous convenience to people traveling across the globe. However, it comes with its own set of risks, and the consequences of any mishap in the air can be fatal. National Geographic's documentary series, Air Disasters, takes the viewers through the most catastrophic airline accidents in history and analyzes the causes behind them. In the eleventh season's seventh episode, known as "Caught on Tape," the focus is on two air crashes that shook the aviation industry and claimed the lives of hundreds of passengers and crew members.

The first accident took place on September 14, 2008, when Spanair Flight 5022 was scheduled to fly from Madrid to Gran Canaria in Spain. As the McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft was speeding up the runway for takeoff, it suddenly lifted off only to slam back onto the ground, killing 154 passengers and injuring 18. The entire accident was captured on security cameras and was later used in the investigation to understand what went wrong. The episode takes the viewers through the chilling footage as the aircraft is seen bursting into flames, and the passengers try their best to evacuate before it's too late.

The investigation revealed that the probable cause of the crash was a failure in the airplane's takeoff configuration system. One of the plane's critical systems, the "flap" and the "slat," was not deployed correctly, which drastically reduced the aircraft's lift capabilities. The inquiry also highlighted the crew's lack of situational awareness, who failed to detect the problem before it was too late. The episode delves into the crucial role played by the crew in identifying technical malfunctions or anomalies during pre-flight checks and how failing to do so can have devastating consequences.

The second air crash that the episode covers occurred on May 22, 2010, when Air India Express Flight 812 crashed in Mangalore, India. The Boeing 737-800 was en route from Dubai to Mangalore when it overshot the runway during landing, plunged down a cliff, and burst into flames. Out of the 166 passengers and crew members on board, only eight survived. The episode provides a detailed account of the chain of events leading to the air crash and the critical misjudgments made by the flight crew during the landing.

The investigation found that the flight crew, consisting of the captain, first officer, and a trainee, were in breach of several standard operating procedures. As the aircraft was seen descending too low and too fast, the commander decided to abort the landing and take off again. However, instead of switching to a go-around mode, which is a standard procedure, he decided to manually apply full power to the engines. The episode elaborates on how this decision resulted in the aircraft gaining too much altitude and failing to clear the boundary wall at the end of the runway. The episode also highlights the importance of having a robust training program for flight crews and the significance of adhering to established procedures during critical phases of flight.

Overall, "Caught on Tape" is an informative and engaging episode that provides valuable insights into the aviation industry's intricate workings. It highlights the fact that a single error or lapse in judgment can lead to catastrophic consequences and the need for a constant focus on safety and adherence to established procedures. With gripping visuals, expert analysis, and interviews with people involved in the investigation, the episode keeps the viewers hooked till the end, making it a must-watch for avid aviation enthusiasts or anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes of this complex industry.