Ep 8. Accident or Assassination

On this episode of AIR DISASTERS, entitled "Accident or Assassination," investigators try to uncover the truth behind the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800. The Boeing 747 was en route from New York's JFK airport to Paris when it suddenly exploded mid-air, killing all 230 people on board. At first, officials believed it was a terrorist attack, but as evidence surfaced, it became clear that the cause of the crash was something else entirely.

The episode begins by exploring the circumstances leading up to the incident. We learn about the passengers on board the flight and the crew members responsible for their safety. We also hear from air traffic controllers who were monitoring the flight and responding to its requests for altitude changes. As the plane climbed to its cruising altitude, witnesses reported seeing a bright flash in the sky, followed by a plume of smoke. The plane then broke apart and fell into the Atlantic Ocean.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI were immediately called to the scene. They launched a massive search and recovery effort, which lasted for months. They collected debris from the wreckage, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed data from the plane's black boxes. They also examined the backgrounds of the passengers and crew members, looking for any signs of foul play.

As evidence began to mount, it became clear that the cause of the crash was not a bomb or missile, as many had initially suspected. Instead, it appeared that the plane had suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. But what caused the failure, and why did it happen when and where it did? These were the questions that investigators set out to answer.

In the course of their investigation, the NTSB discovered that the plane had a history of electrical problems. They also found evidence of arcing and corrosion in the center fuel tank, which was located in the main body of the plane. This led them to focus their attention on a potential fuel tank explosion as the cause of the crash.

But as they delved deeper, they began to uncover evidence of a possible cover-up. In particular, they found that some of the eyewitness testimony had been altered or suppressed. They also learned that some of the debris had been tampered with or destroyed, possibly to conceal evidence of foul play.

The episode concludes with the investigators presenting their findings to the public. They reveal that while they could not definitively prove that the plane was brought down by an act of terrorism, they could not rule out the possibility either. They also acknowledge that there were still many unanswered questions, and that the families of the victims may never know the full truth about what happened on TWA Flight 800.

"Accident or Assassination" offers a gripping and emotional account of one of the most devastating air disasters in history. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the tragedy and the efforts to uncover its cause. It also raises important questions about transparency and accountability in the aviation industry, and reminds us of the human toll of these types of disasters.