Mayday Season 14 Episode 3 Hero Pilots

The episode titled "Hero Pilots" from season 14 of Mayday is a gripping account of two aviation disasters in China and Russia, where the heroism and quick thinking of the pilots saved many lives despite encountering grave technical difficulties.

The first incident details the story of Tianjin Airlines Flight 7554, which was en route from Guangzhou to Wuhan in China on June 29, 2018. Just a few moments after takeoff, the Airbus A320 experienced a complete shutdown of the right-hand engine, followed by multiple system failures in the cockpit. The captain, Liang Peng, took swift control of the plane while his co-pilot, Xu Jie, scanned the instruments for signs of what caused the malfunctions. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the pilots maintained their composure and continued to navigate the plane with one engine. The situation was further complicated when the communication system failed, and the pilots could only rely on hand signals from the ground crew to guide them towards a safe landing. The episode highlights the coordination and determination of the pilots, both of whom had less than ten years of experience, as they maneuvered the aircraft to a successful landing.

The second incident took place on March 19, 2016, and centers around Flydubai Flight 981, a Boeing 737-800, which was traveling from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don in Russia. After attempting to land in bad weather conditions, the plane overshot the runway and crashed into the ground, killing all 62 passengers and crew on board. The investigation revealed that the weather, including severe wind gusts, low visibility, and turbulence, had severely affected the landing attempt. However, the episode showcases the experiences and skills of the two pilots, who made multiple attempts to land the plane despite the difficult conditions. The flight captain, Aristos Sokratous, had extensive flying experience, while his co-pilot, Alejandro Cruz Alava, was a less experienced but highly trained crew member. Both pilots remained calm and focused during the landing attempts and communicated effectively with the air traffic control team. The episode portrays the tragedy of the accident while recognizing the bravery of the pilots, who tried their best to land the plane safely.

The episode "Hero Pilots" provides a comprehensive overview of the two incidents, highlighting the quick thinking, professionalism, and bravery of the pilots, who acted heroically in the face of adversity. The show uses dramatic reenactments to bring the stories to life, alongside expert testimonies, interviews with survivors and witnesses, and CGI animations to explain the technical details. The episode is a testament to the incredible efforts of pilots worldwide who dedicate their lives to transporting people and goods around the world.