Ep 5. Lethal Turn

On this episode of Air Disasters, titled "Lethal Turn," viewers will witness a tragic aviation accident caused by a devastating equipment failure. The episode documents the events leading up to the crash, investigates the aftermath, and explores the root cause of the malfunction.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the flight crew and passengers aboard a commercial airliner. The flight is routine until suddenly, a critical instrument malfunctions. The aircraft's primary means of navigation, the Air Data Inertial Reference System (ADIRS), fails completely.

Without the critical data provided by the ADIRS, the flight crew is left unable to navigate or operate the aircraft effectively. The situation rapidly becomes dire, and the crew quickly realizes that their only option is to divert to the nearest airport in order to request an emergency landing.

However, the situation continues to deteriorate as the aircraft approaches the airport. The runway is shrouded in fog, making the landing extremely difficult. As the aircraft makes its final approach, the crew is forced to make a sudden and dangerous turn, attempting to line up with the runway.

Tragically, the turn proves to be too steep and the aircraft crashes moments later, killing everyone aboard.

The episode then examines the painstaking investigations that follow a catastrophic accident like this one. Air crash investigators pour over the wreckage, the flight recorders, and other evidence in order to determine what went wrong and what needs to be done to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The investigation reveals that the failure of the Air Data Inertial Reference System was caused by a manufacturing defect. Specifically, a single component was improperly installed, leading to a chain reaction of failure that ultimately caused the aircraft to crash.

The episode explores how the manufacturer of the component in question reacted to the news about the accident and what steps they took to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The crash also prompts the aviation industry to begin re-evaluating their emergency protocols, with an emphasis on standardizing emergency procedures and creating more robust backup systems.

Overall, "Lethal Turn" is a harrowing reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and manufacturing protocols for critical aviation equipment. It is also a testament to the importance of thorough investigations and learning from past incidents in order to prevent future tragedies. The episode brings viewers into the heart of the investigation, and highlights the painstaking investigation required to ensure the continued safety of air travel.