Mayday Season 4 Episode 12 Seconds to Survive

In Mayday season 4 episode 12, titled "Seconds to Survive," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through a terrifying plane crash. The episode documents the story of Alitalia Flight 404, which was flying from Milan, Italy to Tokyo, Japan with a stop in Bangkok, Thailand. What was supposed to be a routine flight turned into a tragedy when the plane crashed into a hillside near Palermo, Italy, killing all 115 passengers and crew onboard.

The episode begins with a reenactment of the flight's takeoff from Milan, and viewers are introduced to the captain, Domenico Gatti and first officer, Maro Licciardi. The flight initially proceeds without incident, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when the plane's instruments start malfunctioning. Soon, the cockpit is filled with warning lights, and the pilots struggle to keep the plane under control as they glide towards their destination.

As the situation becomes more dire, the pilots request an emergency landing at Palermo Airport, and air traffic control clears them for an approach to runway 25. However, as the plane descends, the pilots lose sight of the runway and realize that they are heading towards a mountain. With only seconds to spare, they attempt to pull up and avoid the collision, but their efforts are in vain, and the plane crashes into the hillside.

The episode then shifts to the investigation into the crash, with experts piecing together the events that led to the tragedy. The investigation reveals that the crash was caused by a combination of factors, including a faulty altimeter, and a miscommunication between the pilots and air traffic control. Additionally, the investigation reveals that the plane's flight data recorder was not functioning properly, which made it difficult for investigators to determine exactly what happened in the final moments of the flight.

Viewers are taken behind the scenes of the investigation, as experts analyze the wreckage and interview witnesses to piece together a timeline of events leading up to the crash. Through this process, they are able to determine the roles played by different factors, including human error, equipment malfunctions, and communication breakdowns.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to the families of the victims, who share their memories of loved ones lost in the crash. The episode highlights the devastating impact of the tragedy on these families and the wider community, as well as the ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety in the wake of the crash.

Overall, Mayday season 4 episode 12, "Seconds to Survive," delivers a powerful and emotional portrayal of the Alitalia Flight 404 tragedy. Through expert analysis and personal stories, viewers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that can contribute to plane crashes, and the ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety for all.