Mayday Season 14 Episode 6 Killer in the Cockpit?
- February 17, 2020
On May 19, 2016, EgyptAir Flight 804 was en route from Paris to Cairo when it abruptly veered off course and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, killing all 66 people aboard. Mayday season 14 episode 6, titled "Killer in the Cockpit?" examines the tragic event and the investigation into what caused it.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to the crew of EgyptAir Flight 804, including the captain, Mohamed Said Shoukair, and his co-pilot, Mohamed Mamdouh Assem. Both men had extensive experience and had undergone numerous safety and security screenings in order to fly for the airline.
As the flight headed towards Cairo, the plane's ACARS system - which automatically transmits information about the plane's status back to the airline - began to malfunction. The system soon shut down completely, leaving the airline unable to communicate with the crew.
Despite this initial problem, there was no indication of any issues with the plane until it suddenly vanished from radar screens. The search for the missing aircraft and its passengers began immediately, with planes and ships from several countries joining the effort.
As officials sifted through the wreckage and gathered information from the plane's black boxes, a disturbing theory began to emerge. It appeared that just moments before the crash, one of the pilots had intentionally initiated a steep descent, sending the plane plummeting towards the sea.
The investigation into what could have motivated the suicide plunge is a central focus of "Killer in the Cockpit?" The episode takes an in-depth look at the backgrounds of both pilots, exploring their personal and professional lives in order to shed light on whether or not either man may have had a motive for causing the crash.
In addition to these personal investigations, the episode also explores other potential factors that could have contributed to the tragedy. For example, the possibility of a mid-air explosion is considered, as is the potential for a terrorist attack.
Throughout the episode, experts in aviation safety and terrorism provide insight into the various theories and possible scenarios surrounding the EgyptAir Flight 804 crash. Viewers are left with a clearer understanding of the complex and nuanced factors that can lead to such a devastating event, and the many challenges involved in uncovering the truth of what actually happened that tragic night.
Overall, Mayday season 14 episode 6 is a gripping and sobering exploration of one of the most high-profile and tragic air disasters of recent years. Through a combination of personal investigations and expert analysis, the episode offers a nuanced and comprehensive look at the possible factors that contributed to the crash, and the lasting impact it had on the families of those who lost their lives.