Ep 1. Deadly Descent
- September 8, 2019
On May 9th, 2019, Aeroflot Flight 1492 takes off from Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport bound for Murmansk. But soon after takeoff, the plane experiences a lightning strike, causing a fire to break out in one of the engines. The pilots attempt to make an emergency landing back at the airport, but as they descend, the flames engulf the entire aircraft, leading to a catastrophic crash-landing.
This episode of Mayday, titled "Deadly Descent," delves into the investigation of the Aeroflot Flight 1492 crash and the crucial decisions made by the flight crew that ultimately led to the loss of 41 lives. As the team of experts pieces together the events leading up to the disaster, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate workings of modern aviation and the many factors that contribute to a safe flight.
From interviews with witnesses on the ground to simulations of the flight's descent, Mayday's "Deadly Descent" explores every angle of the tragedy as investigators race against the clock to uncover the truth. Through expert analysis and reconstructions of the flight's final moments, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between human error and mechanical malfunction in the aviation industry.
As the investigation progresses, tensions mount between the flight crew and the Russian aviation authorities, revealing a culture of mistrust and lack of transparency that may have played a role in the disaster. The episode also examines the aftermath of the crash, from the outpouring of grief and shock in Russia to the international response and calls for change in the aviation industry.
With a focus on the human stories behind the tragedy, Mayday's "Deadly Descent" offers a poignant and gripping look at the complex world of air travel. Through extraordinary access to key players and an extensive examination of the evidence, viewers are given a rare glimpse into the heartbreaking consequences of a single lightning strike and the importance of constant vigilance in the skies above.
