Ep 3. High Rise Catastrophe

In season 9 episode 3 of Air Disasters titled "High Rise Catastrophe," viewers are taken through the tragic events that led to the deadliest aviation disaster in Colombian history. The episode investigates the crash of American Airlines Flight 965 which occurred on December 20, 1995.

The flight departed Miami International Airport with 155 people on board, including crew members. The Boeing 757 was bound for Cali, Colombia, and was scheduled to arrive at its destination in two and a half hours. However, things take a turn for the worse when the pilots descended too early and ended up crashing into the Andes Mountains.

The episode delves into the factors that contributed to the accident. In particular, the investigation reveals that human error played a significant role in the disaster. The pilots were not adequately prepared for the approach and descent into Cali's international airport. In addition, they were experiencing stressful circumstances before takeoff, including a previous delay due to a maintenance issue and weather conditions.

The episode also examines the crucial problem of poor communication between the pilots and air traffic control. The pilots did not understand the instructions given to them, and there was a communication barrier that made it difficult for the pilots to get the help they needed. These communication issues and pilot error led to a series of events that ultimately ended in tragedy.

As the events unfold, viewers can see the various steps taken by the investigators to piece together what happened. Interviews with witnesses, such as a farmer who heard the impact of the crash and rushed to the scene, are supplemented with computer simulations of the airplane's flight path, cockpit recordings, air traffic control recordings, and other evidence gathered by the investigators.

The episode ends with a sobering recount of the number of fatalities, which included all but four passengers and crew members. The disaster brought to light the importance of proper communication and safety protocols in the aviation industry. It also led to improvements in technology and procedures to avoid similar accidents.

Overall, "High Rise Catastrophe" is a gripping and informative episode that takes a close look at one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history. The investigation delves into the contributing factors of the disaster and draws important safety lessons for the aviation industry. The episode is an example of the informative and well-researched content that Air Disasters provides to its viewers.