Ep 4. Pushed to the Limit

On Mayday season 12 episode 4, titled "Pushed to the Limit," viewers follow the story of a flight traveling from Egypt to France. The flight, operated by EgyptAir and carrying 66 passengers and crew members, suddenly vanishes from radar over the Mediterranean Sea. The episode takes viewers through the intense and exhaustive investigation to determine what caused the disappearance of flight MS804.

The episode begins with an introduction to the crew members, including the captain, first officer, and various flight attendants. Initial interviews reveal that everything appeared to be normal before takeoff. However, not long after takeoff, something goes wrong on the flight. Air traffic control attempts to make contact with the plane, but there is no response. Within moments, the flight disappears from radar.

The search for the missing plane begins immediately, with teams from multiple countries working around the clock. The episode shows footage from both search planes and ships, as well as interviews with those involved in the search effort. Despite extensive search efforts, there is no sign of the wreckage initially.

As the episode progresses, investigators begin to uncover potential reasons for the plane's disappearance. They initially investigate the possibility of a terrorist attack, due to the current climate of political unrest and violence in the region. However, further examination of the evidence reveals something else entirely.

The investigation eventually leads to the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which were recovered from the wreckage. The recordings reveal a sudden and unexpected change in the plane's trajectory, followed by a rapid descent and eventual crash. The episode takes viewers through the process of analyzing the recordings, attempting to understand what caused the sudden change in the plane's direction.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the plane had a technical issue with one of its sensors. The sensor, which measures the plane's airspeed, was giving false readings. This caused the plane's automation system to disengage, placing the plane in manual control. However, the crew was not able to properly diagnose the issue in time, leading to the eventual crash.

The episode explores the various factors that contributed to the accident, including the design of the plane's automation system and the crew's response to the situation. It also examines the measures that have been taken since the accident to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Overall, Mayday season 12 episode 4 is a gripping and detailed account of the investigation into the disappearance of EgyptAir flight MS804. It highlights the tireless work of investigators, as well as the complex and multifaceted nature of aviation accidents. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for the work that goes into ensuring the safety of air travel, as well as the need for ongoing improvements and advancements in aviation technology.