Watch Silkair 185: Pilot Suicide?

Silkair 185: Pilot Suicide is a documentary film that tells the story of a Silkair Boeing 737 that crashed into the Musi River in Indonesia on December 19, 1997, killing all 104 passengers and crew on board. The film explores the events leading up to the crash, the investigation that followed, and the possible cause of the crash, which was ultimately attributed to pilot suicide.

The documentary begins by introducing the viewers to the passengers and crew of Silkair 185, a routine flight from Jakarta to Singapore. The passengers are seen boarding the plane, including young children and families traveling for the holidays. The pilots are also introduced, with the lead captain being a 47-year-old veteran of Silkair with over 15,000 hours of flying experience.

The film then takes us through the events of the flight, with a voice recording of the cockpit conversation between the two pilots playing in the background. The recording reveals that there were no signs of trouble early on in the flight, with the pilots discussing personal matters and making small talk. However, about 30 minutes into the flight, the recording captures the lead captain's voice becoming increasingly agitated and then abruptly cutting off.

The film then shifts its focus to the investigation that followed the crash. The Indonesian authorities, with the help of the FBI, spent over a year investigating the crash and found no evidence of mechanical failure or external sabotage. However, they did uncover evidence that the lead captain had a history of financial troubles and personal problems, which may have contributed to his mental state on the day of the crash.

Silkair 185: Pilot Suicide explores in detail the possible motives behind the lead captain's decision to commit suicide by crashing the plane. The film interviews experts, family members, and former colleagues of the captain, who provide insight into his character and possible mindset leading up to the crash. The film also highlights the culture of stigma around mental health in the aviation industry and the lack of support available to pilots facing personal problems.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its use of dramatized reenactments, which help bring the story to life and give viewers a sense of what it might have been like to be on board the ill-fated flight. The reenactments are done with great attention to detail, from the costumes and sets to the lighting and sound design. The film also uses archival footage and photographs to recreate the events leading up to the crash.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of sadness and tragedy, as the viewer comes to understand the impact that the crash had on the passengers' families and loved ones. The documentary does not shy away from the emotional toll of the crash, and the interviews with the families are both heart-wrenching and poignant. However, there is also a sense of closure that comes from the investigation's conclusion, as the families of the passengers and crew finally receive some answers about what happened on that fateful day.

Overall, Silkair 185: Pilot Suicide is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of aviation history. The film is well-researched and sensitively told, with a strong narrative arc that keeps the viewer engaged from beginning to end. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in aviation, true crime, or investigative journalism.