Ep 6. Mistaken Identity

In the Mistaken Identity episode of Mayday season 3, viewers follow the tragic events of a midair collision between two planes over the Swiss-German border. The episode begins with a brief introduction of the two flights involved - Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937, a Russian Tupolev Tu-154, and DHL Flight 611, an American Boeing 757. Both flights are scheduled to fly across the airspace of Switzerland, where they become involved in a deadly accident.

The episode features interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, and investigators, reconstructing the events leading up to and following the collision. It becomes apparent early on that the crash was caused by a case of mistaken identity - air traffic control gave conflicting instructions to the Bashkirian flight, instructing them to descend while DHL Flight 611 was simultaneously given the clearance to ascend.

The two planes collided at a combined speed of over 800km/h, killing all 71 passengers and crew on board both planes. The episode showcases the aftermath of the accident and how survivors and families of the victims cope with the tragedy. It also features interviews with investigators as they try to piece together the events that led up to the collision.

One of the key issues highlighted in the Mistaken Identity episode is the need for clear and concise communication between air traffic control and pilots. Investigators found that language barriers and miscommunication between the Russian-speaking pilots of Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937 and Swiss air traffic control contributed to the fatal mistake. The episode underscores the need for harmonization of air traffic control procedures and communication worldwide.

Overall, the Mistaken Identity episode of Mayday season 3 is a harrowing and poignant reminder of the fragility of air travel. It is a story of human error, miscommunication, and tragic consequences, but it is also a tribute to the heroes who worked tirelessly to uncover the cause of the accident and to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.