Air Disasters Season 7 Episode 108 Frozen in Flight
- December 29, 2013
- 44 min
In Air Disasters season 7 episode 108, titled "Frozen in Flight," viewers will explore the harrowing story of Continental Express Flight 2574. The flight was scheduled to fly from Laredo, Texas, to Houston on the morning of September 11th, 1991. The flight was operated by Air Midwest, a subsidiary of US Airways. On board were 14 passengers and three crew members.
As the flight began its descent into Houston, a loud bang was heard by those on board. Moments later, the plane began to pitch and roll uncontrollably. The pilots struggled to maintain control of the aircraft, but it was clear that something was seriously wrong.
Investigators would later discover that the plane's horizontal stabilizer had snapped off mid-flight. This critical component of the aircraft is responsible for keeping the plane level and balanced in flight. Without it, the pilots had no way to control the aircraft's attitude.
The situation was made even more difficult by the fact that the plane was flying in icy conditions. As the pilots battled to regain control, ice was accumulating on the wings and other critical surfaces of the aircraft.
Despite their desperate efforts, the plane continued to lose altitude and eventually crashed into a field near Eagle Lake, Texas. All 17 people on board were killed.
Viewers will follow the forensic investigation as experts piece together the events that led to this tragedy. They will examine the plane's maintenance records, interview witnesses, and study the wreckage to determine what went wrong.
Throughout the episode, viewers will gain a greater understanding of the complex systems and processes that keep modern aircraft flying safely. They will also come to appreciate the heroism and bravery of the pilots and crew who tried to save the flight.
Above all, "Frozen in Flight" is a powerful reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and attention to detail in ensuring the safety of air travel. It is a sobering look at the consequences of even the slightest malfunction, and a tribute to those who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation available.