Mayday Season 15 Episode 6 Icy Descent

On Mayday season 15 episode 6, titled "Icy Descent," viewers are taken on a chilling journey through the last moments of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Canadian history.

The episode follows the story of Air Ontario Flight 1363 which was en route from Winnipeg to Calgary with a stopover in Sudbury, Ontario on March 10, 1989. The plane was carrying 65 passengers and four crew members. The weather at the time of takeoff was poor, with snow and ice covering the runway.

As the plane made its way towards Sudbury, the pilots encountered severe icing conditions, which caused the engines to lose power. Despite multiple attempts to de-ice the aircraft, the pilots were unable to regain control of the plane. The aircraft crashed into a forested area just outside the airport, killing 24 people and injuring 45 others.

The episode uses interviews with survivors, family members of those who perished, and investigators to piece together the events leading up to the crash. It gives viewers a harrowing look at the conditions on board the aircraft in the moments before impact, as passengers and crew desperately tried to survive.

The investigation into the crash revealed a number of factors that contributed to the disaster. These included inadequate de-icing procedures, poor communication between the pilot and co-pilot, and the use of an outdated manual which did not accurately reflect the conditions the pilots were facing.

The episode also highlights the efforts made by airline safety authorities to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The crash of Flight 1363 led to the development of new regulations around de-icing procedures and the introduction of more advanced technology to prevent icing on aircraft.

Overall, "Icy Descent" is a gripping and emotional episode that sheds light on a little-known but significant air disaster. The story is told in a sensitive and respectful manner, with a focus on the human stories behind the tragedy. It is a reminder of the importance of ongoing efforts to improve airline safety and prevent similar disasters in the future.