American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals Season 15 Episode 4 Boeing's Deadly Design

In American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels and Scandals season 15 episode 4, titled "Boeing's Deadly Design," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most catastrophic events in aviation history. The episode focuses on the two 737 MAX crashes that took place in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the deaths of 346 passengers and crew members.

The episode starts by exploring the history of Boeing and their dominance in the aviation industry. Boeing is known for producing revolutionary aircraft, including the 747, which transformed commercial aviation. However, in the late 2000s, Boeing found themselves lagging behind their main competitor, Airbus. As a result, Boeing began working on the 737 MAX, a fuel-efficient aircraft that would help them compete with Airbus.

The episode then delves into the design flaws of the 737 MAX and how they ultimately contributed to the two deadly crashes. The MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) system, which automatically adjusts the aircraft's angle of attack, was a primary factor in the crashes. Boeing implemented the MCAS system to alleviate potential stall conditions in the aircraft, but the system proved to be poorly designed and lacked adequate safety features.

Next, the episode introduces the key players involved in the 737 MAX design, including Boeing's top executives and engineers. The show explores the internal culture at Boeing and how it fostered an environment of prioritizing profits over safety. The pressure to meet deadlines and keep up with the competition resulted in a culture where cutting corners was commonplace.

The episode follows the aftermath of the crashes, including the investigations and public relations nightmare that ensued. The show also highlights the heroism of the whistleblowers who came forward about the design flaws of the 737 MAX. Their bravery led to the aircraft's grounding and a complete overhaul of Boeing's safety protocols.

Overall, "Boeing's Deadly Design" is a gripping episode that sheds light on the tragic events that shook the aviation industry. The episode offers a cautionary tale of the dangers that arise when safety becomes second to profits and the importance of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.