Ep 5. Blind Landing

On the fifth episode of season 12 of Mayday - Air Disasters, viewers are taken on board the British Airways Flight 38 as it approaches London Heathrow Airport in 2008. The episode titled Blind Landing features the investigation of the infamous crash landing of the Boeing 777 that resulted in no fatalities, but left many questioning the safety protocols and standards in the aviation industry.

The episode begins with an eerie silence as the British Airways 777 approaches Heathrow Airport under clear skies. The pilots note that the plane's approach is too high and too fast, but they receive the go-ahead from the air traffic control to continue with their landing. However, just seconds before the plane's wheels touch the runway, an alert is sounded in the cockpit signaling that the engines have suddenly stopped functioning.

With no power to glide their way to the runway, the pilots must rely on their flying skills to land the plane safely. Despite their efforts, they crash-land on the grass just short of the runway. In the aftermath of the crash, all 136 passengers and crew on board are evacuated safely, but the investigation into the cause of the crash reveals a series of shocking failures.

The episode delves deep into the technical aspects of the crash, exploring the reasons behind the engine failure of the British Airways 777. The experts examine the engines and the plane's systems in great detail, concluding that the plane's engines had become clogged with ice due to a design flaw. This led to a loss of thrust, which ultimately caused the crash landing.

The episode also highlights the role of human error in the crash. The investigators found that the pilots did not follow the proper protocols for engine anti-icing, which could have prevented the engine failure. The episode looks into the factors that may have contributed to the mistake and explores the pressures that pilots face when managing complex and high-stress situations.

The episode explores the impact of the crash on the passengers and crew, focusing on the emergency evacuation and the efforts of the rescue teams. The episode features interviews with survivors and eyewitnesses and recounts their experiences on that fateful day, providing a human dimension to the story.

Blind Landing is a gripping episode that uncovers the technical and human factors that led to the crash of British Airways Flight 38. The episode offers insight into the safety protocols of the aviation industry and highlights the importance of training and adherence to standards. With compelling interviews, expert analysis, and eerie reconstructed scenes, Blind Landing will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow the investigation into the catastrophe.