Ep 5. Deadly Display

The Air Disasters series continues on with season 18 and episode 5 is named Deadly Display.

This particular episode takes a closer look at a tragic incident that occurred on June 2, 2012 in Indonesia. The episode begins with an overview of the events leading up to the fatal crash of a Sukhoi Superjet 100. The plane was en route on a demo flight with 45 people on board, including airline officials and potential buyers. The flight was intended to showcase the capabilities of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 to prospective clients. The aircraft took off from Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma Airport and headed towards Mount Salak in West Java.

The main pilot was an experienced captain who had flown for more than 10,000 hours. He was assisted by a manufacturer's test pilot, who was experienced with this particular type of aircraft. As they approached Mount Salak, the crew requested permission to descend to 8,000 feet in order to show off the aircraft's capabilities. The air traffic controller granted them clearance to descend, but then the plane disappeared from radar.

The episode then goes on to explore what went wrong with the aircraft. Initial suspicions were on the weather in the area, with cloud cover and thunderstorms posing risk to aircrafts. However, investigators soon found that the plane had collided with trees on the side of the mountain. This raised questions about the pilot's competence, as to why he had been flying so low and fast in the mountainous terrain. The episode delves into the investigation process, with experts examining the wreckage, gathering data on the flight and reviewing the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

As the investigation continued, it became clear that the crew had forgotten to change the altitude selector to a radio altimeter setting. As a result, the plane was flying dangerously low, below the level of the mountain. The episode highlights the importance of co-pilot's duties like careful monitoring of the instruments and also serve as a second pair of eyes for the pilot. The manufacturer took blame for their lack of pilot training on the aircraft and for not correcting the language in the manual that caused recurring confusion.

The episode also explores the aftermath of the incident, with the families of the victims grappling with their loss. The tragedy had far-reaching implications, with the aircraft's manufacturers facing scrutiny and criticism. The episode concludes with a focus on the lessons learned from the incident, including the importance of pilot training and manufacturer accountability.

Overall, Air Disasters season 18 episode 5, Deadly Display, offers a detailed and poignant look at the plane crash in Indonesia that claimed the lives of 45 people. The episode underscores the importance of safety in air travel and highlights the consequences of complacency and inattention to detail. The show serves as a cautionary tale for all those involved in the aviation industry.