Mayday Season 2 Episode 4
Mayday
Season 2

Ep 4. Deadly Crossroads

  • TV-G
  • February 13, 2005
  • 52 min
  • 8.6  (170)

Mayday is a documentary television series that investigates aviation disasters and near misses. In season 2, episode 4, titled "Deadly Crossroads," the show delves into the tragic crash of USAir Flight 1493 and SkyWest Flight 5569 in Los Angeles in 1991.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the two planes involved in the accident. USAir Flight 1493, a Boeing 737, was on its way to Cleveland from New York with 89 passengers and crew members onboard. SkyWest Flight 5569, a Fairchild Metro III, was flying from Palmdale to Los Angeles with 10 people on board. The two planes' paths were supposed to cross safely, but a miscommunication between the air traffic control tower and the pilots caused a fatal collision.

The show goes into detail about the events leading up to the crash, including the air traffic controller's confusion and the pilots' failure to follow proper protocols. The investigation is made even more complicated by the fact that the collision occurred during a shift change, which meant that the incoming controller was not fully briefed on the situation.

Mayday uses interviews with aviation experts and first-hand accounts from surviving passengers to paint a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued after the collision. The show also explores the aftermath of the crash, including the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation and the changes that were made to air traffic control procedures as a result.

Overall, "Deadly Crossroads" is a gripping and informative episode of Mayday that sheds light on a tragedy that could have been prevented. The show's attention to detail and careful analysis of the evidence make it a must-watch for anyone interested in aviation safety and accidents.

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Description
  • First Aired
    February 13, 2005
  • Content Rating
    TV-G
  • Runtime
    52 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (170)