Air Disasters Season 6 Episode 5 Attack Over Baghdad

On the fifth episode of season six of Air Disasters, titled "Attack Over Baghdad," viewers will be taken on a harrowing journey through the events that led to a devastating attack on a civilian airliner in 2003.

The episode begins by highlighting the political tension and military conflict that existed between the United States and Iraq during the early 2000s. Against this backdrop of conflict, an international flight from Istanbul, Turkey, to Baghdad, Iraq, takes off with over 50 passengers and crew on board.

As the plane begins its descent into Baghdad's international airport, chaos erupts. Suddenly and without warning, the aircraft is rocked by a barrage of missiles from a nearby surface-to-air missile (SAM) battery. The crew fights desperately to regain control of the plane, but it's clear that the damage is catastrophic.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of the pilots and crew, the plane manages to make an emergency landing at the airport. However, it quickly becomes clear that the attack has taken a heavy toll. Several passengers and crew members are severely injured, and others have lost their lives. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that the attack was not a case of mistaken identity or collateral damage. Rather, it was a deliberate act of aggression against a civilian airliner.

The episode delves into the many factors that contributed to the attack, from the complex political tensions between the U.S. and Iraq to the sophisticated military technology used by the attacking SAM battery. Viewers will learn about the painstaking investigation that followed the attack, which involved a team of international experts and a painstaking analysis of physical evidence, flight data, and witness testimony.

Through interviews with key players, archival footage, and dramatic recreations, "Attack Over Baghdad" brings to life the terrifying experience of the passengers and crew onboard the stricken plane and highlights the ongoing dangers facing civilian aircraft during times of conflict.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who work tirelessly to keep air travelers safe in the face of danger – and of the ongoing challenges that lie ahead.