Ep 4. Deadly Airspace

On Air Disasters season 18 episode 4, viewers are presented with the terrifying story of a mid-air collision that shook the aviation industry. The episode, titled "Deadly Airspace," explores the circumstances that led to the fatal crash of two planes in the skies over Germany and the subsequent investigation that followed.

The doomed flight, Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937, was carrying 60 passengers and 9 crew members, including 45 children. The flight was en route from Moscow to Barcelona, with a stopover in Germany. The second plane, DHL Flight 611, was a cargo plane on its way from Bahrain to Brussels. The accident occurred on the night of July 1, 2002, in German airspace, near the town of Uberlingen.

The episode begins with a reconstruction of the events leading up to the collision. Viewers are introduced to the air traffic controllers responsible for the airspace in which the tragedy occurred, and are taken through the meticulous procedures that are supposed to keep planes separate while in the air. However, in this instance, a critical error occurred.

The air traffic controller on duty that night was responsible for keeping a close eye on both planes, as they were flying on intersecting routes. However, due to the controller's limited experience and a lack of training in dealing with multiple planes in the same airspace, he failed to realize that the two planes were getting dangerously close to each other.

As a result, just after midnight, the two aircraft collided in mid-air at a speed of over 700 km/h. The impact was catastrophic, with both planes disintegrating and crashing to the ground. All 69 passengers and crew on board the two planes were killed instantly.

The episode then delves into the aftermath of the accident, including the investigation conducted by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation. The investigators worked tirelessly to determine the cause of the collision and to analyze the data from the plane's black boxes.

As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the air traffic controller had made a serious error, and that the lack of adequately trained staff had played a major role in the tragedy. The controller had not received appropriate training and was overwhelmed by the number of planes in the same airspace.

The episode then follows the investigators as they piece together the events that led up to the collision, relying on witness statements, data analysis, and forensic evidence. The team works to establish the sequence of events that led to the collision, and to identify any contributing factors.

Throughout the investigation, the team encounters numerous challenges, including discrepancies in witness statements and the difficulty of interpreting technical data. However, their dedication and meticulous work ultimately lead to a clearer understanding of what happened that night and why the accident occurred.

The episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of well-trained and experienced air traffic controllers and the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety of millions of passengers worldwide. It is a sobering account of the tragic consequences that can occur when human errors and system failures collide.

In conclusion, "Deadly Airspace" is a gripping and emotional account of a tragedy that shook the aviation industry and devastated the families of those who were lost. It is a testament to the crucial work of investigators and the unwavering dedication of those who work to ensure our safety in the air.