Ep 6. Chicago Flight 191

On May 25th, 1979, a catastrophic incident occurred involving American Airlines Flight 191 as it took off from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The plane was bound for Los Angeles, and carried 258 passengers and thirteen crew members. As it began to take off, the left engine and pylon assembly broke away from the wing, causing the plane to quickly lose altitude and crash only seconds later.

This episode of Seconds From Disaster examines the fateful minutes leading up to the crash, and the many factors that contributed to the disaster. Interviews with key experts and witnesses offer insight into the events leading up to the crash, as well as the aftermath.

The investigation into this crash revealed many critical lapses in safety and numerous opportunities to prevent the disaster. One of the key issues was the inadequate maintenance of the engine pylon, which had suffered damage during its installation. Rather than being repaired, the damage was simply painted over, and the issue was never properly addressed.

The episode also explores the roles played by the pilots, air traffic controllers, and other officials in the moments leading up to the crash. Despite the pilots' best efforts to control the plane, it was clear that the damage to the engine was beyond repair, and the plane was ultimately doomed.

In addition, the episode delves into the impact that this tragedy had on the aviation safety industry, and how lessons learned from this incident have led to major changes in protocols and regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Overall, this episode of Seconds From Disaster offers a chilling account of a tragedy that could have been prevented, and serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness in all aspects of aviation.