Seconds From Disaster Season 2 Episode 10 TWA Flight 800

On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 took off from New York's John F. Kennedy airport bound for Paris. Just 12 minutes into the flight, the aircraft exploded in mid-air, killing all 230 people on board. This episode of Seconds From Disaster investigates the tragic event and the investigation that followed in an attempt to determine what caused the Boeing 747 to crash.

The episode begins by introducing us to Flight 800 and the passengers and crew on board. We learn that the flight was a popular one with tourists traveling to Europe, with many families on board. The episode then shows us the flight's takeoff from JFK, a routine procedure that seemed to be going smoothly.

However, soon after takeoff, things start to go wrong. The cockpit voice recorder captures the sound of a loud noise, after which the pilots begin to discuss an apparent loss of power in one of the engines. Moments later, the plane explodes in a fireball, witnessed by many on the ground.

The episode then shows us the aftermath of the crash, with rescue teams and investigators arriving on the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash is complicated by the fact that the plane exploded at such high altitude, and there is little physical evidence left to examine.

The episode explores the various theories that were put forth about what caused the crash, including a bomb, a missile, and mechanical failure. We learn that the FBI became involved in the investigation due to concerns about terrorism, and that the possibility of a missile strike was considered due to the presence of military exercises taking place in the area at the time of the crash.

As the investigation progresses, the focus turns to the plane's fuel tanks. The episode explains that the Boeing 747 had a design flaw in the fuel tank system, which could lead to a dangerous buildup of fumes. The investigation team eventually determines that this build-up of fumes likely ignited, causing the explosion.

The episode also examines the response to the disaster, including the efforts to recover the bodies of the victims, the impact on their families, and the changes that were made to air travel safety regulations in the aftermath of the crash.

Overall, this episode of Seconds From Disaster is a harrowing look at a tragic event, and the complex investigation that followed. It offers a detailed examination of the various factors that led to the crash, and the difficult process of piecing together what happened in order to prevent future disasters.