Mayday Season 13 Episode 7 Runway Runoff

Mayday Season 13 Episode 7, titled "Runway Runoff," is a gripping account of a plane crash that occurred in Birmingham, England, on August 20, 1989. The episode delves into the details of the accident and highlights the role played by both the crew and air traffic control in preventing the disaster from becoming even more catastrophic.

The flight in question was a British Midland Airways Ltd flight 092, which was scheduled to fly from London Heathrow Airport to Belfast International Airport. The plane was a Boeing 737-400, one of the most commonly used planes in the world at the time of the incident.

The episode begins by tracing the events leading up to the crash. The plane had just taken off from London Heathrow and was cruising at an altitude of 28,000 feet when there was a loud bang and vibration in the cabin. The crew realized that there was a problem with one of the plane's engines and immediately started working on a plan of action.

As the plane began to descend, the pilots decided to divert to East Midlands Airport, as it was the closest airport with a suitable runway for a Boeing 737. The air traffic controller at East Midlands Airport advised the crew to use runway 27, but by the time the plane was on its final approach, the control tower realized that the plane was not going to make it to the runway.

The pilots were then advised to attempt an emergency landing on the M1 motorway, which was adjacent to the airport. However, as the plane approached the motorway, it became clear that it was not going to make it. The pilots then attempted a second emergency landing, this time on the grass embankment next to the motorway.

The plane crashed onto the embankment, causing both the wings to detach and the plane to catch fire. Passengers and crew were immediately evacuated from the plane, with some being rescued by the heroic actions of the crew and emergency services.

The episode then explores the investigation into the crash, which concluded that the cause of the accident was a malfunction in the plane's engine. The investigation also revealed that the pilots had followed proper emergency procedures and had acted quickly to prevent a more catastrophic disaster.

"Runway Runoff" is a moving and detailed account of a tragic event that underscores the importance of proper emergency procedures and the value of quick action in the face of danger. It is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the crew, air traffic control, and emergency services who worked to prevent further loss of life.