Ep 9. Getting Out Alive

On this episode of AIR DISASTERS, titled "Getting Out Alive," viewers will witness the extraordinary story of a plane crash in the remote wilderness of central Quebec. The small charter plane was carrying nine passengers, including executives from Bowater, a large paper company, and was en route to a company-owned logging camp. As the plane approached the landing strip, the weather took a turn for the worse, and the pilot was forced to abort the landing. The passengers on board the plane could have never expected the chain of events that was about to unfold.

The pilot, who had over 14,000 hours of flight time, tried to circle back to the airport but lost control of the plane, which crashed in a densely forested area. The violent impact killed two passengers instantly, while the others were left clinging to life. To make matters worse, the survivors had to contend with extreme weather conditions, wild animals, and the remoteness of the area.

The crash survivors had to quickly band together to create a plan for survival, with limited resources. They used what little they had available and built makeshift shelters, created a fire, and tried to signal for help. Their prospects of rescue looked bleak as they were located deep in the forest with no clear access route for search and rescue teams.

The show covers the story of how the survivors' struggle to survive in the wilderness, as they waited for rescue. The narrative engages viewers with details of how they rationed their snacks and belongings to stretch their limited supplies. The stranded passengers had to endure harsh weather conditions in sub-freezing temperatures, fighting off cold and frostbite using ingenuity and perseverance. The survivors even fashioned a makeshift stretcher and carried a severely injured passenger out of the bush.

The Canadian Armed Forces launched an extensive search operation that included fixed-wing aircraft, and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter equipped for search and rescue missions. The episode takes viewers on the dramatic helicopter rescue mission, showing rescuers struggling to find a suitable landing spot. It was a tricky and risky maneuver because the area was so remote, and the weather was treacherous.

The rescue team eventually airlifted the remaining survivors from the crash site and took them to the nearest hospital, where they received much-needed medical attention. This episode is an emotional and inspiring account of how the survivors’ experience illustrated the power of the human spirit and the strength of teamwork.

The show is highly engaging and covers the story in detail while being respectful to the sensitivity and tragedy of the situation. Viewers will appreciate the show's immersive cinematography and the film's ability to bring the story to life and capture the narrative’s emotional and inspiring aspects. Season 5, Episode 9 of AIR DISASTERS, "Getting Out Alive," is a triumph of human perseverance, bravery, and teamwork in the face of a life-threatening tragedy.