Ep 5. Deadly Detour

On this episode of Air Disasters, titled "Deadly Detour," viewers are taken through the harrowing events of May 31st, 2013, when a passenger flight in Africa takes a deadly detour.

The story begins as Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409 takes off from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, bound for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The flight is carrying 82 passengers and 8 crew members, with a flight plan that should take them over the Mediterranean, the eastern coast of Cyprus, and then on towards their destination.

However, just minutes after takeoff, the flight suddenly veers off course, turning south instead of north as it should have. Air traffic control messages the flight crew, who are confused and disoriented, and request a vector to bring them back on course. Despite their confusion, the crew reassure air traffic control that they are in control of the situation and continue on their course.

Moments later, the flight disappears from radar, and rescuers are dispatched to search for the wreckage. All 90 people on board are killed in the crash.

What went wrong? The investigation reveals a complex chain of events, beginning with a maintenance issue that affected the plane's navigational equipment. The crew, however, did not report the problem, and lacked the training necessary to navigate using traditional methods. When the plane experienced turbulence, the pilots lost control and became disoriented, the combination of confusion and a lack of situational awareness ultimately leading to the deadly detour.

As the investigation unfolds, experts in the aviation industry share their thoughts on how this tragedy could have been prevented, highlighting the importance of proper procedures and communication protocols within the aviation industry.

"Deadly Detour" is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety in the aviation industry and the critical role that communication and proper training play in ensuring the safe transport of passengers and crew. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the dramatic retelling of this tragic event, and will come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of air travel.