Watch Crash of the Century

Crash of the Century is a gripping and intense documentary produced by NOVA that takes viewers on a step-by-step journey through the events leading up to one of the most tragic and devastating aviation disasters in history. The film centers around the fateful collision of two Boeing 747 passenger planes on the runway of Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands on March 27th, 1977. With 583 lives lost, this remains the deadliest accident in aviation history.

Viewers are introduced to the different players involved in the disaster, which include the air traffic controllers responsible for managing the crowded airspace, the pilots of the two planes involved, and the passengers on board. Through firsthand accounts and archival footage, the film reconstructs the events leading up to the collision and the aftermath that followed.

One of the major themes that emerges from the documentary is the role of human error in the disaster. The air traffic controllers, for example, were operating in a high-stress environment with outdated equipment, long work hours, and inadequate staffing. The pilots, too, were facing a number of challenges, including an unfamiliar airport layout and communication barriers between the two planes. As the tension and confusion built, the disaster loomed on the horizon.

The film also explores the subsequent investigations into the accident, which were carried out by both Spanish and Dutch authorities. Viewers see how the evidence was pieced together, and how the conclusions drawn from these investigations led to changes in aviation regulations and safety protocols that still impact the industry today.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are given a sense of the human impact of the tragedy. The stories of the individual passengers and crew members illustrate the profound loss that resulted from the collision. Grieving family members and survivors recall the harrowing experience of being on board the planes and the aftermath of the disaster.

Aside from the human interest element, the film also delves into the technical aspects of the aviation industry, explaining the intricacies of air traffic control, flight navigation, and the mechanics of the Boeing 747. This provides an informative context for the disaster, and allows viewers to understand the factors that contributed to the tragedy.

Overall, Crash of the Century is a thought-provoking and emotionally affecting documentary that sheds light on one of the most devastating accidents in aviation history. Through its comprehensive and compelling storytelling, the film provides insight into the human and technical aspects of the disaster, and encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of safety measures and the role of human error in complex systems.

Crash of the Century is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.