Why Planes Crash Season 2 Episode 1 Crisis in the Sky

Why Planes Crash is a documentary series that explores some of the most notable aviation disasters in history. In season 2 episode 1 titled "Crisis in the Sky," the show delves into the tragic event that occurred on Air France Flight 447 on June 1, 2009.

The episode brings together experts, investigators, and eyewitnesses to piece together the events that led to the crash of the Airbus A330 into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 228 people on board. The show examines each aspect of the flight, from the pre-flight checks to the final moments of the aircraft.

The episode starts with a brief overview of the flight and the passengers on board, setting the stage for the events that would unfold. The co-pilot of the flight, Pierre-Cedric Bonin, is highlighted as the focus of the investigation. He was flying the plane when it encountered adverse weather conditions, leading to confusion and ultimately, tragedy.

The show then moves into the technical aspects of Air France Flight 447, starting with the autopilot system. The episode explains how the aircraft's autopilot system functioned, how it was programmed for the flight, and how it worked with the co-pilot's inputs. The episode delves deeper into the avionics of the plane, explaining how the aircraft's sensors functioned and the role they played in the accident.

The episode then explores the training and experience of the co-pilot, Bonin, with a focus on his previous experiences flying in adverse weather conditions. The show analyzes the pressures that Bonin may have been feeling during the flight and how his judgment may have been impacted. There is also discussion around the captain of the flight and his decision to take a nap before the critical phase of the flight.

Next, the episode examines the communication breakdown between the co-pilot and the pilot. The show explains how the cockpit voice recorder data helped investigators understand the confusion in the cockpit and the miscommunication between the co-pilot and the captain. The episode explores how the language barrier may have contributed to the confusion and what, if anything, could have been done to prevent it.

To round out the episode, Why Planes Crash explores the aftermath of Air France Flight 447, specifically the changes implemented in the aviation industry to prevent similar accidents from occurring. The show provides insight into the technological advancements made since the crash and the new protocols that pilots now follow to ensure a safer flight.

Overall, "Crisis in the Sky" is a gripping, emotional episode that examines a tragic event through the lens of technical knowledge and human error. The episode provides a thorough explanation of the events leading up to the accident and examines the impact it had on the aviation industry. For aviation enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, Why Planes Crash season 2 episode 1 is a riveting and informative watch.