Ep 10. Split Decision

On this episode of Air Disasters, viewers are taken back to 1996 when a commuter plane crashes into a mountain in northern Indiana. The episode titled "Split Decision" dives into the investigation of the crash to uncover what went wrong and who was responsible.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the crew and passengers aboard Comair Flight 3272. The plane was en route to Detroit on a snowy afternoon, carrying 26 passengers and three crew members. As the flight approached the destination, the crew was informed that the airport was experiencing icy conditions and that they should prepare for a possible delay.

With the possibility of a delay in mind, the crew made a decision to enter a holding pattern rather than risk running out of fuel while waiting to land. However, as the plane was in the holding pattern, it experienced severe icing conditions, which ultimately caused the plane to crash into a field near the town of Roselawn, Indiana.

Immediately after the crash, investigators were flown to the crash site to begin the investigation. One of the crucial pieces of evidence they found was a section of the plane's wing, which had separated from the rest of the aircraft. This led investigators to believe that a structural failure had occurred, resulting in the crash.

As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the crash had been caused by a combination of factors. One of the main factors was the decision made by the crew to enter the holding pattern, which ultimately exposed the plane to the dangerous icing conditions. Additionally, it was discovered that the design of the plane's wing made it particularly vulnerable to icing, and that the de-icing system on the plane was not sufficient to prevent the formation of ice.

Another important factor was the lack of training provided to the pilots on how to respond to icing conditions. The investigation revealed that the pilots had only received minimal training on how to respond to such conditions, and that they had not been adequately prepared to deal with the situation they faced on the day of the crash.

Ultimately, the investigation into the crash of Comair Flight 3272 led to a number of changes in the aviation industry. New regulations were put in place to ensure that pilots were better trained to deal with icing conditions, and improvements were made to the design of aircraft to make them less vulnerable to icing. The tragic crash of Flight 3272 served as a wake-up call to the aviation industry, reminding everyone that safety must always be the top priority when it comes to air travel.

Overall, "Split Decision" is a gripping episode of Air Disasters that sheds light on the important role that investigations play in improving the safety of air travel. Through a combination of interviews with experts and dramatic re-enactments of the events leading up to the crash, viewers are taken on a journey of discovery that highlights the complexities of air travel and the need for constant vigilance when it comes to safety. Whether you're a frequent flyer or simply interested in the history of aviation, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating world of air disasters.