Ep 6. Fatal Climb

In "Fatal Climb," the sixth episode of Air Disasters' nineteenth season, viewers are taken on a harrowing journey through the disastrous events that occurred in 2012 aboard a private jet flying out of Nigeria.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the executive jet, which was en route to Dakar, Senegal when the pilots made a fateful decision that led to the loss of all 7 passengers and crew on board. The plane, a Dassault Falcon 900, was owned by the Nigerian charter company Chanchangi Airlines and was flying on behalf of the Sudanese Ashraf Travel Agency.

As the plane took off in the early hours of the morning, it quickly became clear that something was amiss. The captain, Giles-Yannick Borneuf, radioed air traffic control to request permission to return to the airport, reporting that the aircraft was experiencing "technical problems."

Despite this, the flight continued on its planned route, climbing to 40,000 feet as it headed out over the Atlantic Ocean. As it did so, however, the plane's engines began to lose power, eventually stalling altogether and sending it into a fatal dive.

Using a combination of black box recordings, investigative reports, and interviews with key players, the episode goes on to paint a detailed picture of the events leading up to the crash. In particular, it highlights the role that the pilots' decision-making played in the disaster, as well as the ways in which the plane's maintenance and operations contributed to its eventual failure.

One key aspect of the episode is its focus on the human factors involved in air disasters. Throughout the hour-long runtime, viewers are given a vivid sense of the psychological pressures that pilots face when dealing with unexpected in-flight problems, as well as the complex web of factors--ranging from work culture to regulatory oversight--that shape their actions.

As with other episodes of Air Disasters, "Fatal Climb" also foregrounds the role that technology and engineering play in commercial aviation. Viewers are given a detailed look at the design and operation of the Falcon 900, as well as the technical specifics of the problems that caused it to fail.

Throughout the episode, the storytelling is taut and suspenseful, driven by a series of unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the tone remains sober and respectful, eschewing sensationalism in favor of a serious and thoughtful exploration of the disaster.

Overall, "Fatal Climb" stands as a compelling and informative addition to the Air Disasters canon, shedding new light on a little-known yet highly consequential tragedy in the annals of commercial aviation. Whether you are a seasoned aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a gripping story well told, this episode is not to be missed.