Ep 7. Free Fall

On this episode of Air Disasters, titled Free Fall, viewers are taken through the events leading up to a tragic plane crash involving a small commuter plane in Guatemala. The episode begins by introducing viewers to the aircraft itself – a third-hand, 20-year-old Fairchild Metroliner that had been converted from a standard passenger plane to a cargo carrier. The aircraft took off from Guatemala City on an early morning in May of 2018, headed for the town of Flores.

However, shortly after takeoff, both of the plane's engines failed, causing the aircraft to plummet toward the ground at a rapid speed. The crew, made up of two pilots and one "loadmaster" who was responsible for loading and unloading cargo, attempted to regain control of the plane, but their efforts proved fruitless. The plane crashed into a heavily forested area just 10 minutes after takeoff, killing all three crew members on impact.

The remainder of the episode explores the many factors that may have contributed to the cause of this fatal plane crash. One possibility was the age and condition of the aircraft itself. The Fairchild Metroliner was 20 years old, and had been outfitted with new modifications and added weight in order to convert it into a cargo plane. The show's experts explain that, in such conversions, there are often many small and seemingly insignificant adjustments made to the aircraft that can have a significant impact on its overall performance and safety.

Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of proper maintenance and inspections of aircrafts. The show's experts explain that the Fairchild Metroliner involved in this crash had a history of mechanical issues, and had been grounded for over a year before it was put back into service. The episode suggests that issues with the engines may have been a contributing factor in the crash, but the exact cause cannot be determined without a thorough investigation.

Another factor that this episode explores is the role of the "loadmaster" in cargo planes such as the Fairchild Metroliner. The loadmaster is responsible for ensuring that the cargo is properly secured and distributed throughout the plane, so that it does not impede the aircraft's performance or cause it to become imbalanced. The episode suggests that there was some confusion among the crew members about the cargo that was being transported on this flight, and that this may have contributed to the plane's imbalance and eventual crash.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with expert insights and analysis into the various factors that may have contributed to this tragic accident. The show aims to shed light on the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of aircraft, as well as the need for clear communication and understanding among crew members in order to ensure a safe flight. Ultimately, Free Fall is a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise in even the most routine of flights, and serves as a call to action for the aviation industry to continue to prioritize safety and prevention measures.