Watch Engineering Disasters

Engineering disasters are like the dark side of human innovation. No matter how much technology and knowledge we acquire, one wrong decision or a small mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences. The History Channel's show Engineering Disasters from History explores some of the biggest engineering blunders in history and the lessons we learned from them.

The show is hosted by three experts in aviation, engineering, and disaster management – Tom Cotcher, Jeff Wise, and Phil Derner. Each episode focuses on a specific incident, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, or the sinking of the Titanic. The experts use archival footage, computer simulations, and interviews with engineers, survivors, and experts to reconstruct the events and analyze the causes and effects of the disasters.

Tom Cotcher is an experienced pilot, aircraft accident investigator, and aviation consultant. He has investigated over 150 aircraft accidents and incidents worldwide, and his expertise ranges from human factors to mechanical failures. In the show, he provides insights into airplane crashes such as the 1977 Tenerife airport disaster or the 2001 American Airlines Flight 587 crash. He explains the technicalities of the planes, the role of the pilots, and the systemic factors that contributed to the accidents.

Jeff Wise is a science writer and adventurer who has covered topics like psychology, neuroscience, and survival. He is also a licensed pilot and flying instructor, which gives him a unique perspective on aviation disasters. In the show, he delves into the human factors behind the accidents, such as communication breakdowns, groupthink, and cognitive biases. He also explores the psychological effects of disasters on the survivors, rescuers, and families.

Phil Derner is a certified emergency manager and former firefighter who has responded to numerous natural and human-made disasters. He has coordinated emergency operations for hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and terrorist attacks. In the show, he examines the emergency response to the disasters, such as the evacuation procedures, the communication systems, and the coordination among the agencies. He also highlights the lessons learned from the disasters and the changes in regulations and policies that followed.

Together, the three hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the engineering disasters. They explain the technical, human, and management aspects of the incidents and connect them to broader themes of risk, innovation, and accountability. They also incorporate expert opinions and historical context to offer a balanced and nuanced view of the events.

The show uses a mix of visual aids and storytelling techniques to convey the information. The archival footage and computer simulations recreate the disasters in a vivid and visceral way, showing the chaos, destruction, and human impact of the events. The interviews with the experts and survivors provide a personal and emotional dimension to the stories, giving voice to the people who experienced the disasters firsthand. The narration and editing tie everything together in a clear and concise manner, making the show accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

Engineering Disasters from History is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering, technology, history, or disaster management. It offers a fascinating and sobering look into the price we pay for progress and the challenges we face in preventing and responding to disasters. The show is also a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of human beings, who learn from their mistakes and strive to do better.

Engineering Disasters is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on April 11, 2015.