Ep 1. Witnessed: The Crash of TWA Flight 800
- July 15, 2014
On July 17th, 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded mid-air and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after takeoff from JFK airport in New York. All 230 passengers and crew onboard were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in American history. CNN's Special Report series delves into the tragic event in its premiere episode, "Witnessed: The Crash of TWA Flight 800."
Through eyewitness accounts, interviews with investigators, and never-before-seen footage, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the disaster. It explores the painstaking investigation that followed the crash, which involved thousands of individuals and cost millions of dollars. It also examines the many theories that emerged about the cause of the crash, including the possibility of a missile strike or a terrorist attack.
The episode begins by recounting the scene at JFK airport on that fateful day, with perspectives from first responders, air traffic controllers, and family members of those on board. It then moves on to describe the painstaking recovery and identification efforts undertaken by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies.
CNN's team also interviews key investigators and experts involved in the case, including former lead NTSB investigator Hank Hughes. They discuss how the NTSB conducted an extensive investigation, poring over every piece of evidence in an effort to determine what caused the explosion. Viewers get a glimpse into the complexity of the investigation, with details about how investigators utilized new technologies such as 3D scanning and simulation to analyze the debris.
Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the various theories that emerged in the aftermath of the crash. One of the most controversial theories was that a missile or bomb caused the explosion. The episode explores this theory in detail, interviewing witnesses who reported seeing a streak of light or a fireball in the sky around the time of the crash. It also discusses the possibility that the US Navy, which was conducting exercises in the area, may have accidentally shot down the plane.
Another theory explored in the episode is that a malfunction in the plane's fuel system caused the explosion. This theory was initially put forward by some TWA employees and aviation experts, but was ultimately dismissed by the NTSB. The episode covers this theory and others in-depth, providing a balanced and nuanced view of the investigation.
As the episode draws to a close, viewers are presented with a somber reflection on the human toll of the disaster. Interviews with family members who lost loved ones provide emotional depth to the story and illustrate the pain and grief experienced by those affected by the crash.
Overall, CNN's Special Report episode "Witnessed: The Crash of TWA Flight 800" is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this tragic event. Through a mix of personal accounts, expert analysis, and historical footage, viewers are given a detailed understanding of the investigation, the theories that emerged, and the impact of the crash on those who were touched by it.
