Ep 12. 28 Seconds to Survive

On this episode of Mayday - Air Disasters, viewers are taken to the fateful day of June 1, 2009, when a French commercial aircraft was en route to New York City from Rio de Janeiro. As the flight was cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet, the plane suddenly experienced severe turbulence that lasted for 28 seconds, resulting in the loss of several passengers and crew members.

The episode begins by detailing the events leading up to the flight’s departure from Rio de Janeiro. The plane, an Airbus A330-203, was operated by Air France, one of the world’s leading international airlines. The flight was staffed by a highly experienced crew, including Captain Marc Dubois, First Officer David Robert, and Second Officer Pierre-Cedric Bonin.

As the plane took off from Galeão International Airport, the weather conditions were favorable, and the flight appeared to be proceeding smoothly. However, as the flight approached an area of South Atlantic airspace known for its unusual weather patterns, the plane’s sensors began to detect some inconsistencies in the plane’s flight data.

At this point, the episode shifts focus to the cockpit of the Airbus A330, where the crew was attempting to troubleshoot the problem. However, due to the intense turbulence, the cockpit was in chaos, with flight instruments malfunctioning and warning alarms sounding continuously. The crew struggled to maintain control of the aircraft, and the flight captain was absent from the cockpit at a critical moment, resting in his quarters.

The episode then explores the efforts made by the crew to determine the cause of the anomaly in the plane’s flight data. They concluded that the aircraft was most likely flying through a particularly violent thunderstorm, and that they needed to exit the storm in order to regain control of the plane.

As the crew continued their attempts to correct the plane’s trajectory, the turbulence grew increasingly violent. With the plane shaking and the air pressure dropping rapidly, some of the passengers were thrown from their seats. Oxygen masks deployed, and many passengers and crew members struggled to keep their footing. Despite these challenges, the crew remained focused on resolving the issue and preventing a disaster.

However, as recounted in the episode, events took a tragic turn when the crew lost complete control of the plane. The Airbus A330 plummeted from the sky, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. The episode examines the many factors that contributed to the crash, including the weather conditions, the reaction of the crew, and the limitations of the aircraft’s technological systems.

As the investigation into the incident progressed, it became clear that the crew had made several critical errors that contributed to the disaster. The episode delves into these missteps, examining the psychological factors that led the crew to make dangerous decisions.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a vivid account of the events leading up to the crash of Air France flight 447. The narrative is complemented by expert analysis and commentary from aviation experts, who provide valuable insights into the causes and consequences of the tragedy.

Ultimately, the episode reinforces the importance of rigorous training and preparation for pilots and crew members, and highlights the need for constant vigilance in an industry where even the smallest mishap can have devastating consequences.