Mayday Season 8 Episode 1 Choosing Sides

Mayday is a thrilling TV show that explores the most notorious aviation disasters in modern history. Each episode examines the events that led up to the tragedy, as well as the efforts made by investigators to determine the cause and prevent future accidents. Season 8 of the show kicks off with an episode called "Choosing Sides."

The main focus of this episode is the crash of Air France Flight 447, which occurred in 2009 and resulted in the deaths of all 228 passengers and crew members on board. The Airbus A330 was en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris when it encountered severe weather over the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the pilots' efforts to maintain control of the aircraft, it plunged into the sea within minutes.

As with many aviation disasters, the investigation into the crash was complicated and multifaceted. One of the key issues that arose was the question of whether the pilots had received adequate training and preparation to handle the complex situation they found themselves in. The episode explores this question in detail, examining the qualifications and experience of the flight crew, as well as the training procedures and protocols in place at Air France.

Another important aspect of the investigation was the role that automation played in the crash. The Airbus A330 is a highly automated aircraft, with a number of systems designed to assist the pilots in managing the flight. However, in the case of Flight 447, the automation actually contributed to the disaster by creating confusion and misunderstanding among the pilots.

The episode delves into the technical details of how the automation failed, as well as the psychological factors that influenced the pilots' decision-making. It also examines the broader issue of how reliance on automation can potentially lead to complacency and a lack of situational awareness among pilots.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a gripping journey as investigators piece together the evidence and try to determine what went wrong. They explore the various theories and hypotheses that emerge, and witness the intense debates and disagreements that arise between different factions.

Ultimately, the episode provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the intricacies of aviation safety and the challenges posed by modern technology. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the mechanics of disaster investigation, as well as those who are drawn to the human stories that lie behind these tragedies.