Ep 6. Edge of Disaster

Air Disasters season 15 episode 6, titled "Edge of Disaster," delves into the tragic events surrounding the crash of a commuter plane in Buffalo, New York. On February 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 was en route to Buffalo Niagara International Airport when it suddenly plummeted from the sky, killing all 49 passengers and crew on board, as well as one person on the ground.

The episode begins by examining the events leading up to the flight, including the training and preparation of the pilots. The captain, Marvin Renslow, had a history of bad decision-making and had failed several flight tests in the past. However, after several attempts, he finally passed his training and was allowed to pilot commercial flights. The first officer, Rebecca Shaw, was new to Colgan Air and had only recently been certified to fly the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400.

The flight was initially uneventful, but as they approached Buffalo, they encountered icy conditions. The crew activated the plane's de-icing system, but it failed to work properly due to a design flaw. This caused ice to accumulate on the wings and tail of the aircraft, affecting its ability to maintain altitude.

As the plane descended below its optimal speed and altitude, the pilots attempted to correct the situation but made a critical mistake that only made matters worse. They raised the flaps, which control lift, instead of lowering them. This caused the plane to lose lift and stall, sending it into a nosedive.

The episode details the harrowing final moments of the flight, as the pilots struggled to regain control of the plane. The cockpit voice recorder provides insight into their frantic efforts to save the aircraft and their passengers, but ultimately the plane crashed into a suburban home, killing all on board and one person on the ground.

The episode also explores the aftermath of the crash, including the investigation and the changes that were made in the aviation industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The families of the victims share their grief and loss, and call for more accountability and transparency from the airline industry.

"Edge of Disaster" is a sobering look at the often-overlooked risks of air travel and the importance of proper training and equipment maintenance. It also highlights the impact of such tragedies on the lives of those left behind, and the ongoing efforts to improve airline safety standards.