Ep 12. Seconds to Survive

In Air Disasters season 4 episode 12, titled "Seconds to Survive," viewers are taken through the harrowing events of a near-fatal airplane crash. This episode examines the events leading up to the crash and the decisions made by the pilots that ultimately led to the miraculous survival of the majority of the passengers on board.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the crew of the aircraft, a seasoned pilot, Captain Dave Sanders, and his co-pilot, Chad Wilcox, who is relatively new to the job. The flight was a routine domestic flight from Denver to Dallas, with 101 passengers on board.

About 33 minutes into the flight, disaster struck. A loud explosion was heard and the cabin began to fill with smoke. The left engine had failed catastrophically, sending shrapnel flying into the fuselage. The plane was traveling at 30,000 feet, and the pilots had only seconds to react.

Wilcox, the co-pilot, took control of the plane and began to descend as quickly as he could, while Sanders worked to try to shut down the failed engine. Meanwhile, the flight attendants were preparing the passengers for a potential crash landing, telling them to brace for impact and ensuring everyone was buckled in.

The situation was quickly becoming dire, with the crew struggling to keep the plane aloft. In the cockpit, Sanders and Wilcox were struggling to maintain control as the plane began to wobble and lose altitude. The runway was still some distance away, and it was unclear whether they would even make it that far.

Despite the dire circumstances, the crew somehow managed to keep the plane under control and bring it in for a landing. However, disaster wasn't averted entirely. As the plane touched down, it veered off the runway and crashed into a ditch, breaking apart on impact.

Despite the severity of the crash, most of the passengers and crew survived, thanks in part to the heroic actions of the flight attendants, who worked quickly to evacuate the plane and get people to safety. However, there were still a number of serious injuries, and the incident left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The episode is a powerful reminder of the bravery and skill of those who work in the aviation industry, and the importance of remaining calm and focused in the face of extreme adversity. Through interviews with the crew members, passengers, and investigators, viewers get a firsthand look at the events leading up to the crash, and the remarkable efforts that were taken to save lives.

Overall, "Seconds to Survive" is a gripping episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It's a testament to the resilience and courage of those who work in the aviation industry, and a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping a cool head when faced with a crisis.