Ep 2. Death Race

In Mayday season 13 episode 2, titled "Death Race," viewers are taken on a heart-stopping journey through the devastating events that led to the 2013 Paris Air Show disaster. With expert commentary and firsthand accounts from individuals involved in the tragedy, the episode offers a detailed look at what went wrong and how it could have been prevented.

The episode begins with a thrilling reenactment of the air show itself, showcasing just how crowded and chaotic the event was. As planes fly in close proximity to one another and perform daring maneuvers, it's clear that any mistake could lead to disaster.

That's precisely what happens when a Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet collides with a French-built Dassault Mirage 2000 during a formation flight. The resulting impact is catastrophic, with debris raining down on the crowd below and a fireball erupting in the sky.

The show then takes viewers through a step-by-step analysis of the events leading up to the crash, including the training and preparation that both pilots received before the air show. It quickly becomes clear that communication breakdowns and misinterpretations of instructions were at the heart of the disaster.

Viewers also get a sense of how incredibly difficult it can be to fly in formation, especially at high speeds and in close proximity to other planes. Footage from both cockpit and exterior cameras highlights just how little room there was for error, and how quickly things can go wrong when one pilot makes a mistake.

The show then shifts to analyzing the aftermath of the crash, including the immediate rescue efforts and subsequent investigation. There are interviews with members of the rescue teams, who describe the scene as chaotic and overwhelming.

The investigation into the crash was also complex and time-consuming. It involved examining all available data, including cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, and reconstructing what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on how the disaster could have been prevented. Experts point out several key communication breakdowns and missed opportunities to avoid the crash, highlighting the urgent need for better training and clearer protocols for formation flying.

Ultimately, "Death Race" is a gripping and emotional exploration of the human factors that contribute to aviation disasters. Viewers are left with a deep appreciation for the skill and dedication of aviation professionals, as well as a heightened awareness of how easily things can go wrong when communication and training aren't prioritized.