Mayday Season 15 Episode 3 Explosive Touchdown

Mayday season 15 episode 3, titled "Explosive Touchdown," delves into the devastating story of Tatarstan Airlines Flight 363. On November 17, 2013, the Boeing 737-500 was scheduled to fly from Moscow to the city of Kazan. However, as the plane made its descent, it suddenly crashed into the runway, killing all 50 passengers and crew on board.

Through testimony and analysis, the episode reveals the various factors that led to the tragic outcome of Flight 363. The crew was inexperienced and poorly trained, having only flown together twice before the accident. The first officer, Rustem Salikhov, had a history of failing his flight exams and had even been fired from a previous airline. Additionally, the captain, Rustem Iksanov, had a history of alcohol abuse, which had led to a suspension of his pilot's license in the past.

The episode also uncovers the mechanical issues with the plane itself. After takeoff, the aircraft's autopilot malfunctioned, causing the plane to lose altitude. The captain tried to take control of the plane, but it was too late, as the aircraft was already flying too low. Moreover, the crew had not properly communicated with air traffic control about their altitude, as they had mistakenly believed that they were at a higher altitude than they actually were.

As the plane tried to descend for a second attempt at landing, it crashed into the runway, causing a massive explosion. The episode features interviews with witnesses who watched the horrific crash unfold, including airport staff and nearby residents.

The investigation into the crash of Flight 363 was complex, as there were numerous factors that contributed to the disaster. The episode explores the role that the Russian aviation industry played in the crash, putting pressure on airlines to maintain profitability over safety.

Overall, Mayday season 15 episode 3 is a heart-wrenching recount of a tragic airplane accident. Through meticulous investigation, the episode uncovers the various factors that led to the devastating crash of Tatarstan Airlines Flight 363. From the crew's lack of experience to the mechanical issues with the aircraft, the episode sheds light on the many factors that can lead to a deadly plane crash.