Ep 6. Storming Out

In season 17, episode 6 of Air Disasters, titled "Storming Out," viewers are taken on a gripping and heart-wrenching journey through the real-life events of a catastrophic plane crash that occurred during a thunderstorm in Indonesia.

The episode opens with a brief overview of the airline, Lion Air, and the particular aircraft involved in the accident, a Boeing 737-900ER. Within minutes of takeoff, the plane encounters severe turbulence and bad weather which causes the flight to deviate from its intended course. As the captain struggles to regain control of the aircraft, he inadvertently puts the plane into a steep and unstable turn, causing the airplane to plummet towards the ground below.

As investigators piece together what went wrong, they start to uncover crucial information about Lion Air that raises questions about the airline's safety standards and the training of its pilots. Despite the fact that this particular plane was relatively new and had state-of-the-art safety features, the investigation reveals that the flight crew lacked the necessary training to effectively deal with the weather conditions they faced.

As more information comes to light, the sense of urgency in the episode ramps up, providing a visceral and emotional experience for viewers. Family members of the passengers who perished in the crash recount their experiences of waiting for news about their loved ones, and surviving crew members share their harrowing recollections of the fateful flight.

Throughout the episode, expert witnesses and investigators explain the complex mechanisms behind the crash, as well as highlighting the crucial role that investigative teams played in piecing together what happened. Using black box data and other forms of evidence, the investigators work tirelessly to unravel the mystery of the flight and provide closure for those affected by the tragedy.

While the show can be difficult to watch at times due to the real-life events it depicts, it is a sobering reminder of the vital importance of airline safety and the tireless work of investigative teams around the world. "Storming Out" is a fitting and powerful tribute to the victims of the Indonesian plane crash and a stark reminder of the devastating impact that aviation accidents can have on individuals and communities alike.