Ep 10. Ghost Plane

On May 25, 2002, a passenger plane flying from Taiwan to Hong Kong suddenly disappears from radar for five minutes, only to reappear and crash into the ocean, killing all 225 passengers and crew on board. This episode of Mayday, titled "Ghost Plane," investigates the unexplainable mystery behind the disaster.

The episode starts off by introducing the China Airlines Flight 611 and its crew, including the experienced captain and his two co-pilots. The plane had undergone routine maintenance and was cleared for takeoff. However, after reaching cruising altitude, the plane began experiencing severe turbulence, and the passengers were asked to fasten their seat belts.

Suddenly, the plane disappeared from radar screens for five minutes, causing air traffic controllers to frantically search for the missing aircraft. Once the plane reappeared on their screens, it was no longer flying at cruising altitude, but instead was plummeting towards the ocean.

The investigation into the cause of the crash begins with examining the wreckage. The team searches through the wreckage looking for clues, and they make an alarming discovery: the entire tail section of the plane was missing. The team's search for the missing section of the plane leads them to a shocking discovery: the tail section had ripped off mid-flight, causing the plane to lose control and crash.

But what caused the tail section to rip off in the first place? This is the question that the investigators tackle next. They interview experts and conduct multiple simulations to try and recreate the event. The team slowly begins to piece together the events of that fateful day, and they discover a shocking new piece of evidence that changes everything.

The team discovers that the plane had been damaged in a previous incident where the tail section was hit on the runway. The damage was not properly repaired, which eventually led to the tail section ripping off mid-flight. The investigation is complicated by cultural differences and language barriers, as the plane was Taiwanese and much of the investigation takes place in China.

Throughout the episode, relatives of the victims share their experiences and grief, reminding us of the human impact of this tragedy. We learn about a mother who lost her two young sons on the flight and a couple whose entire extended family died in the crash.

Despite the heartbreaking stories, the investigation into the cause of the crash must go on. The team continues to work diligently to uncover every piece of evidence, using advanced technology and expert analysis to reconstruct the events of that day.

Finally, after months of careful investigation, the team is able to solve the mystery behind the disaster. They lay out their findings and point to the unearned trust that led to the catastrophic breakdown that claimed so many lives.

In conclusion, "Ghost Plane" is a tense, heartbreaking, and ultimately eye-opening episode of Mayday, highlighting the importance of proper airplane maintenance and the devastating impact that tragedies like this can have on families and communities. The episode is an important reminder of the role that rigorous investigation plays in ensuring safer air travel.