Ep 1. Kathmandu Descent
- TV-14
- September 6, 2020
- 44 min
On the first episode of season 15 of the critically acclaimed television show Air Disasters, entitled "Kathmandu Descent," viewers are taken on a harrowing journey through the tragedy of flight 31. The episode follows the events leading up to the crash, as well as the extensive investigation that took place in the aftermath.
The flight, operated by Bangladesh-based airline US-Bangla, was on its way from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Kathmandu, Nepal, a journey that had been made countless times before. However, on March 12, 2018, everything changed. Shortly before attempting to land, the flight crew received conflicting information from air traffic control regarding which runway to use, leading to confusion and miscommunication.
As the plane began its descent into Tribhuvan International Airport, it became clear that something was wrong. The flight crew attempted to abort the landing and go around for another try, but in the confusion, the plane lost control and crashed into the ground, killing 51 of the 71 people on board.
The episode uses a mix of real-life footage, interviews with experts and witnesses, and state-of-the-art CGI to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Viewers will see the crucial moments when the flight crew received the conflicting information regarding which runway to use, as well as the increasing panic and confusion as the plane attempted to land.
The episode also examines the extensive investigation that took place after the crash, conducted by a team of experts from both Bangladesh and Nepal. The team pored over every detail of the flight's data recorder, searching for clues as to what went wrong. Through careful analysis, they were able to uncover the series of mistakes and miscommunications that led to the tragic crash.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for those working in the aviation industry. It demonstrates the importance of clear communication and proper training, as well as the need to adhere to strict safety protocols at all times. While the events of flight 31 were tragic, they have also led to important changes and improvements in the aviation industry, ensuring that future tragedies can be avoided.
For fans of the show Air Disasters, "Kathmandu Descent" is a must-see episode, offering a gripping and emotional look at the human toll of aviation disasters, as well as the incredible investigative work that follows in their wake.