Air Disasters Season 18 Episode 15 The Killing Machine

The AIR DISASTERS Season 18 Episode 15, titled "The Killing Machine," is an in-depth look at one of the deadliest aircraft disasters in history. The episode explores the events that led up to the tragic crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 on March 24, 2015, which killed all 150 passengers and crew on board.

Using cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and interviews with experts, investigators, and family members of the victims, "The Killing Machine" sheds light on the mental health issues and warning signs exhibited by the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, who deliberately crashed the plane into the French Alps.

The episode details Lubitz's personal and professional life, from his childhood in Germany to his training as a pilot for Germanwings. It highlights the concerns raised by his flight instructors, who had reported his symptoms of depression and anxiety to the airline's medical department.

The episode also delves into the flaws in the system that allowed Lubitz to hide his mental health issues, including the lack of communication between medical professionals and pilots. It examines the culture of the aviation industry, which places a high value on mental and physical fitness and often stigmatizes those who seek mental health treatment or share their struggles.

"The Killing Machine" analyzes the actions taken by Lubitz leading up to the tragedy, including his online searches for suicide and cockpit door security. It examines the pilot's decision to lock his captain out of the cockpit and the ensuing descent into the Alps at a speed of over 400 knots per hour.

Through interviews with aviation experts and investigators, the episode uncovers the steps taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, including enhanced psychological testing for pilots and changes to cockpit door security protocols.

Overall, "The Killing Machine" provides an in-depth examination of a devastating tragedy, shedding light on the factors that contributed to the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 and offering insights into the important changes being made to improve air travel safety.