Ep 7. Falling to Pieces

On this episode of Mayday - Air Disasters, viewers will witness the horrifying events that led to the tragic crash of a Boeing 747 in Amsterdam. The flight, operated by El Al Israel Airlines, experienced an unexpected mechanical failure in one of its engines shortly after takeoff. As the plane attempted to circle back around to the airport, disaster struck.

With the engine still ablaze and a fuel leak spreading throughout the plane, the pilots struggled to maintain control as the 747 began to lose altitude. As the plane's power and hydraulics systems failed, the pilots were forced to rely on manual control to keep the aircraft in the air.

Meanwhile, on the ground, air traffic controllers in Amsterdam were frantically trying to clear a path for the stricken jet to make an emergency landing. But their efforts were hampered by the plane's unpredictable movements and the sheer size of the aircraft.

As the situation grew more dire, the pilots made the fateful decision to attempt a landing on a narrow, crowded residential street. With no room for error, the plane came down hard and fast, hitting buildings and cars as it careened down the street. Over 40 people on the ground lost their lives in the crash, while many more were injured.

In the aftermath of the disaster, investigators would discover a startling truth about the cause of the engine failure. The El Al 747 had been carrying a secret cargo of chemicals, including highly volatile and unstable explosives. These dangerous materials had been improperly stored and secured, causing a chain reaction of catastrophic events that ultimately led to the crash.

Throughout the episode, viewers will hear from survivors and witnesses who recount their harrowing experiences on that fateful day. Experts and investigators will also weigh in, offering their insights into what went wrong and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.

As with every episode of Mayday - Air Disasters, "Falling to Pieces" combines gripping storytelling with a deep dive into the technical and human factors that can contribute to a plane crash. Through powerful footage and interviews, viewers will gain a new understanding of the complexities and risks involved in air travel, and the vital importance of ongoing safety measures and regulatory oversight.