Air Disasters Season 14 Episode 2 Fatal Friction

Air Disasters season 14 episode 2, titled "Fatal Friction," takes a closer look at a devastating airline disaster that occurred in 2010. The episode explores the events leading up to the crash of a UPS cargo plane that ripped through a forest in Alabama, claiming the lives of both pilots onboard.

The episode highlights how the pilots were faced with an unforeseen obstacle that led to a fatal mistake. Throughout the flight, the aircraft's hydraulic systems were experiencing issues, causing several warnings to go off in the cockpit. This added extra stress and pressure on the pilots, who were already tasked with an unscheduled stop to pick up more cargo.

As the plane approached Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the pilots were informed by air traffic control of some pending weather conditions. However, the aircraft's weather radar system was not functioning correctly, limiting the pilots' ability to make informed decisions. Upon landing, the plane's landing gear and hydraulic systems began to show signs of failure, and the pilots decided to abort the landing. Sadly, during the attempted go-around, the plane crashed into a hillside adjacent to the runway, erupting into flames and killing both pilots.

Through in-depth interviews with investigators and experts, "Fatal Friction" examines the possible scenarios that led to the crash and the crucial moments where things could have been done differently. They explore the role of fatigue, system malfunction, and safety checks in aviation and how small mistakes can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The episode provides new insights into the challenges faced by pilots and their importance in reporting malfunctions in the cockpit.

Overall, "Fatal Friction" is an emotionally charged episode that illustrates how aviation disasters can happen in an instant, and the importance of vigilance and safety protocols in preventing such tragedies. It highlights the need for experts and investigators to analyze what went wrong so that these incidents can be prevented in the future.