Ep 8. Blind Spot

On Mayday season 11 episode 8, titled "Blind Spot," viewers are taken inside one of the deadliest accidents in modern aviation history. In this episode, the focus is on the tragic crash of a Boeing 737 Max in March 2019, which claimed the lives of all 157 people on board.

The catastrophe, which occurred just shortly after the Lion Air crash in October 2018, has led to the grounding of all 737 Max planes worldwide, as investigators try to determine the cause of the accidents. The show takes a detailed look at the events leading up to the crash, as well as the subsequent investigation and efforts to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Using a combination of interviews, computer-generated graphics, and archival footage, the episode begins by recounting the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. Aboard the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, passengers and crew can be seen settling in for the flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, a routine trip that would last just over an hour. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane suddenly enters a dive, hurtling towards the ground at a terrifying speed.

Mayday viewers are taken inside the cockpit as the crew frantically tries to regain control of the plane, with the black box recording capturing their urgent calls for help. The show also features insights from experts and former pilots, who provide analysis on the various systems and procedures involved in flying a 737 Max.

As the investigation into the crash begins, the episode delves into the background of the aircraft, as well as the controversial Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which has been identified as a possible cause of the accidents. The show explores the design flaws and regulatory oversights that contributed to the accidents, and how these issues have since been addressed by airplane manufacturers and oversight agencies.

In addition to the technical aspects of the crash, Mayday also examines the human toll of the tragedy. The episode features interviews with families of the victims, many of whom share personal stories and memories about their loved ones. The show highlights the ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety, including improvements to pilots' training and the implementation of more rigorous safety regulations.

Overall, Mayday season 11 episode 8 is a powerful and informative look at one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent history. Through a combination of expert analysis and emotional interviews, the episode sheds light on the complex challenges of air travel, and the ongoing efforts to make it safer and more secure for passengers and crew alike.