Ep 6. Panic Over the Pacific

On this adrenaline-fueled episode of "Air Disasters," we follow the story of United Airlines Flight 826, a passenger jet flying over the Pacific Ocean on a fateful day in early February 1965. The Boeing 727 was en route from New York City to Seattle with a scheduled layover in Portland when disaster struck.

As the aircraft neared Portland, a series of strange noises began emanating from the plane's left engine. The flight crew, led by Captain Murray Healy, struggled to diagnose the problem as the plane plunged towards the ocean in a terrifying nosedive. The passengers panicked, screaming and crying out for their loved ones as they braced themselves for impact.

Meanwhile, on the ground, air traffic controllers and aviation experts frantically tried to figure out what was happening. Communication was difficult due to the remote location of the incident, and there was confusion as to whether the plane had crashed or was still in the air. As the minutes ticked by, it became clear that the situation was dire.

With the engine failing and the plane rapidly losing altitude, the crew made the difficult decision to attempt an emergency water landing. This maneuver was incredibly risky, as landing a large commercial jet on the surface of the ocean could easily result in catastrophic damage or even a total loss of life.

Despite the odds against them, the crew managed to execute the water landing with remarkable skill and precision. The plane hit the waves hard, but the impact was absorbed by the aircraft's specially designed flotation device and the passengers and crew were able to evacuate the plane safely.

But the danger wasn't over yet. Reaching the shore was another harrowing challenge, as the survivors battled frigid waters and rough surf to make it to safety. Some passengers were tragically lost in the struggle, but the majority survived thanks to the heroic efforts of the flight crew and rescue workers.

In the aftermath of the crash, the investigation revealed a troubling truth: the engine failure was caused by faulty maintenance and negligence on behalf of the airline. This tragedy led to sweeping changes in the aviation industry, as regulations were put in place to ensure that aircraft are properly maintained and inspected.

Overall, this thrilling episode of "Air Disasters" is a dramatic reminder of the high stakes and intense pressure that come with flying a commercial airliner. It's a story of human bravery, ingenuity, and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity - and a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and preparation in the aviation industry.