Mayday Season 5 Episode 5 Southern Storm

The episode "Southern Storm" from Mayday season 5, takes viewers into the intense and tragic events of a fatal airplane crash that occurred on December 19th, 2004, in Texas, United States. The crash involved Southwest Airlines flight 1248, a Boeing 737-700, which was on a routine flight from Baltimore to Chicago Midway with 110 passengers and crew on board.

The weather conditions were worsening by the time the aircraft was approaching Chicago, with storm warnings and heavy snowfall in the area. On top of that, the runway at Chicago's Midway airport had only been recently shortened to make way for a new safety system, complicating landings for pilots.

As the plane was on its final approach, with just a few hundred feet to go before touching down on the runway, the pilots tried to brake suddenly, but the aircraft slid off the end of the runway and crashed into a busy intersection. The snow-covered terrain didn't help their efforts to stop in time to avoid colliding with cars and buildings.

The aftermath of the crash was chaotic, with passengers and crew members injured and in shock, emergency responders and first-aiders rushing to the scene, and onlookers trying to make sense of what had just happened.

The investigation team launched an extensive inquiry, analyzing the evidence, cockpit voice recorder, and flight data recorder to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. They also conducted interviews with passengers and crew members, looking for any clues that could explain the cause of this tragic event.

The episode goes into detail about the multiple factors involved in the crash, including the weather conditions, the runway length, and the decisions made by the pilots during the descent and landing. Questions are raised about whether the pilots should have diverted to a different airport or taken other safety measures to avoid this devastating outcome.

As the investigation unfolds, the team uncovers crucial information about the Boeing 737's braking system, which had been modified by the airline to save maintenance expenses, without properly disclosing it to the FAA. This oversight created a safety hazard for both the passengers and crew members, which ultimately led to the fatal crash.

Overall, the episode "Southern Storm" brings a gripping and heart-wrenching real-life story to the screen, highlighting the complex nature of aviation accidents, the bravery of first responders, and the importance of safety regulations in the airline industry. It serves as a reminder that accidents happen when we let safety protocols slip, and that we must persistently strive toward safer and more secure air travel for everyone.