Ep 7. Runway Runoff

On this episode of Air Disasters, we delve into the heart-wrenching story behind the deadly 2018 crash of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 owned by Lion Air, which claimed the lives of all 189 people onboard. This episode is named ‘Runway Runoff’.

The Lion Air Flight 610 took off from Jakarta, Indonesia, en route to Pangkal Pinang on the morning of October 29, 2018, with 189 passengers and crew members onboard. The journey was expected to take just over an hour. However, barely six minutes after takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with the ground. Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, but sadly, no survivors were found.

This episode of Air Disasters takes a close look at the investigation report by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee, which revealed the several malfunctioning sensors that caused the tragedy. The report highlights how a malfunctioning sensor sent incorrect information to the flight control system, causing it to repeatedly push down the plane's nose, sending it plunging into the Java Sea at high speed.

The show provides an in-depth analysis of the circumstances leading up to the crash and the steps taken by the Indonesian officials to determine the cause. The investigation reveals possible design flaws in the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which ultimately led to the grounding of this aircraft model worldwide. In addition, the report indicates that maintenance and training issues also played a role in the disaster.

The episode features exclusive footage of the recovery and identification efforts of the victims' remains. The show also features gripping interviews with key aviation experts, who discuss the technical aspects of the investigation and the need for enhanced aviation safety measures.

Air Disasters season 19 episode 7, 'Runway Runoff' is an excellent portrayal of the investigation into one of the deadliest crashes in commercial aviation history and will undoubtedly captivate viewers with its detailed and educational approach. This episode will appeal to aviation enthusiasts, families of the victims, and anybody who is interested in learning about the importance of aviation safety measures and the impact of air crashes on human life.