Ep 8. Focused on Failure

Mayday - Air Disasters season 12 episode 8 is titled Focused on Failure and it takes viewers on a journey through the investigation of a tragic plane crash that occurred in late 2014. The episode begins by setting the scene for the crash - a regional jet en route from Canada to the United States suddenly plunges to the ground just a few miles from its destination airport, killing all 50 people on board.

As investigators from both countries begin to piece together what happened, they quickly realize that this was no simple accident. The inquiry focuses on the plane's de-icing process, which is imperative during the winter months in Canada to ensure planes can safely take off and fly in icy conditions. However, it soon becomes clear that there were multiple failures and mistakes in this critical process that could have been the cause of the accident.

Through dramatic reenactment and expert interviews, viewers learn about the intricate and detailed process of de-icing a plane, from the application of the solution to the time restrictions that ensure the plane remains free of ice while in the air. The investigation team struggles to determine what went wrong with the de-icing process used on this particular flight, sifting through extensive records of the de-icing equipment and process to find the answer.

As the team delves deeper, they uncover multiple failures that led to the plane's fatal crash. They discover that the equipment used to de-ice the plane had not been properly calibrated, leading to the application of too much de-icing fluid and an unbalanced distribution of the fluid across the plane. Additionally, the time restrictions for taking off after the de-icing process were not followed, leading to a plane that was not completely free of ice before it took off.

The episode takes viewers through the intense and emotional moments of the investigation as families and loved ones of the victims wait for answers, and ultimately, a resolution to what led to the tragic crash. Through painstaking analysis and determination, the investigation team is finally able to piece together the chain of events that led to the failure of the de-icing process and the subsequent crash.

As with all episodes of Mayday - Air Disasters, Focused on Failure offers a gripping and insightful look into the forensic investigations that follow major air disasters. The episode highlights the critical safety measures and protocols that are necessary for safe air travel, and the dire consequences that can follow when those measures are not followed. With its expert interviews, detailed reenactments, and emotional storytelling, Mayday - Air Disasters season 12 episode 8 is an engaging and dramatic addition to the series.