Ep 7. Under Pressure

In this episode of Air Disasters season 3, titled Under Pressure, we explore the harrowing story of Air Transat Flight 236. On August 24, 2001, the Airbus A330 took off from Toronto en route to Lisbon, Portugal, with 306 passengers and crew on board. However, things quickly went awry as the flight crew received a warning message indicating that there was a problem with the number one engine.

The pilots acted quickly and followed the standard procedures for shutting down the engine, but they soon realized that the situation was much worse than they had initially thought. The aircraft had lost a significant amount of fuel due to a leak in one of the fuel lines, and they were now flying over the Atlantic Ocean with only one working engine.

The crew now faced a dual-pressure situation: first, they needed to figure out how to keep the plane in the air using only one engine, and second, they needed to find a place to land safely. They were still several hours away from Lisbon, and their options were limited due to the range of the aircraft.

Over the next few hours, the crew worked tirelessly to manage their fuel supply and keep the plane from stalling. They also contacted air traffic control to request clearance to land at a closer airport, but they were repeatedly denied due to the limited resources of these airports.

As the fuel continued to dwindle, the crew realized that their only hope was to land at Lajes Air Base, a military airport in the Azores, a group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic. However, the airport was not equipped to handle commercial flights, and the crew had to rely on their instincts and training to make a safe landing on an unfamiliar runway.

Despite the odds, the crew managed to bring the plane to a stop on the runway without any fatalities or serious injuries. The passengers and crew were praised for their bravery in the face of a life-threatening situation, and the investigation that followed led to significant changes in safety procedures and fuel-tank design.

The episode offers a gripping depiction of a truly remarkable incident that showcases the incredible skill and teamwork of aviation professionals in high-stakes situations. Through expert interviews, dramatic reenactments, and real footage, viewers will gain a newfound appreciation for the challenges involved in flying and the dedication of those who make air travel possible.