AIRLINE DISASTERS
HistorieStep aboard as we explore the most tragic and deadly airline crashes in aviation history. Each episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS takes a deep dive into the events leading up to catastrophic accidents, unraveling the technical, human, and environmental factors that contributed to these heartbreaking moments. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a curious listener, this podcast will keep you on the edge of your seat as we uncover the hidden stories behind the world's most infamous airline crashes.
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- Air India 171: Everything We Know So Far. (00:11:39)
Join us for a quick debrief on what we know so far on Air India 171. We explain that a preliminary investigation found the fuel control switches were moved to the "cut-off" position shortly after takeoff, leading to engine thrust loss. The reports highlight disagreement over pilot responsibility, with the U.S. aviation authority asserting the fuel switches were safe, and the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association defending the crew. Information regarding the pilots' backgrounds and experience is also included, alongside details about the aircraft, the investigation's progress, and the impact on victims' families. Note that all of this is speculative and based off the preliminary report and in no way intended to place blame on any party, at this time.
- Is it Safe to Fly out of Newark (EWR)? (00:14:24)
With all of the recent news surrounding the FAA and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), we decided to break our normal format and talk about how safe it is, or isn't, to fly out of EWR this summer.
- Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash Report (00:18:30)
Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed in South Korea on December 29, 2024, resulting in 179 fatalities. The accident, the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea's history, is under investigation, with a suspected bird strike potentially contributing to landing gear failure. The investigation also focuses on the malfunctioning thrust reversers and wing flaps, along with the presence of a non-standard barrier near the runway. The aftermath included a national mourning period and a significant impact on the airline and national operations.
- Tragedy on the Potomac: The Story of Air Florida Flight 90 (00:13:26)
In this episode, we dive into the harrowing story of Air Florida Flight 90, the tragic crash that shocked the nation in January 1982. Departing from Washington National Airport during a brutal snowstorm, the plane struck the 14th Street Bridge shortly after takeoff, plunging into the icy Potomac River. Join us as we explore the series of events that led to the disaster, the heroic rescue efforts that followed, and the lessons learned that reshaped aviation safety. Through survivor accounts and expert insights, we remember the resilience, bravery, and lasting impact of this unforgettable tragedy.
- A Missing 727 (00:13:55)
On May 25, 2003, a Boeing 727-223 airliner, tail number N844AA, vanished without a trace from Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda, Angola. This mysterious disappearance set off a global manhunt led by law enforcement and intelligence agencies across the world, including the U.S. To this day, the aircraft remains missing, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. In this episode, we dive into the strange case of the missing Boeing 727 and the theories that surround its fate.
- The Vanishing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (00:10:59)
In this haunting episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we delve into the enduring mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, one of the most baffling aviation disasters in modern history. On March 8, 2014, the Boeing 777 disappeared from radar during a routine flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 passengers and crew. Despite one of the most extensive and costly search efforts in aviation history, the plane has never been fully recovered, leaving behind countless questions and theories.We’ll explore the timeline of the flight’s final hours, analyze satellite data, and examine the various theories surrounding the disappearance—from mechanical failure to deliberate sabotage. Join us as we attempt to piece together the details of this mysterious tragedy, and discuss how the disappearance of Flight MH370 changed the way we think about global air travel and aviation tracking.
- The Fatal Fire of Swissair Flight 111 (00:08:06)
In this episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we explore the devastating crash of Swissair Flight 111, a tragedy that claimed 229 lives and raised serious questions about in-flight fire safety. On September 2, 1998, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 en route from New York to Geneva experienced an in-flight fire that spread rapidly through the cockpit, leading to the loss of control and the eventual crash into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia.We’ll dive into the investigation that uncovered the origin of the fire, faulty wiring in the entertainment system, and how flammable materials played a fatal role. This episode will also examine the significant changes in aircraft safety protocols, material standards, and emergency procedures that were introduced in the wake of this disaster. Join us as we remember the victims and discuss how the tragic lessons from Swissair Flight 111 reshaped aviation safety.
- The Mystery of TWA Flight 800 (00:13:10)
In this episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we investigate the tragic and controversial crash of TWA Flight 800, one of the most mysterious accidents in aviation history. On July 17, 1996, the Boeing 747 exploded in mid-air just 12 minutes after takeoff from JFK International Airport, bound for Paris, killing all 230 people on board. The fiery crash into the Atlantic Ocean sparked widespread speculation about the cause, ranging from mechanical failure to terrorism.We’ll explore the extensive investigation that followed, including the NTSB’s final conclusion that a fuel tank explosion caused by a short circuit brought down the plane. We’ll also examine the impact of this disaster on aviation safety standards, especially regarding fuel tank design and electrical systems. Join us as we unpack the controversy, the findings, and the lasting legacy of TWA Flight 800.
- Tragedy in NYC: American Airlines Flight 587 (00:08:36)
In this episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we dive into the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 587, which occurred on November 12, 2001, just two months after the 9/11 attacks. The Airbus A300, en route to the Dominican Republic, crashed into a residential neighborhood in Queens, New York, shortly after takeoff from JFK International Airport, killing all 260 people on board and five on the ground.We’ll examine the series of events that led to this catastrophic accident, focusing on the role of wake turbulence and the overuse of rudder controls. We'll also explore the NTSB investigation and how this disaster spurred significant changes in pilot training and aircraft design. Tune in as we piece together the details of this tragic accident and uncover the safety lessons that emerged from the crash of Flight 587.
- Terror in the Skies: Pan Am Flight 103 (00:09:33)
In this poignant episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we investigate the heartbreaking story of Pan Am Flight 103, which was brought down by a bomb over the town of Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. The explosion killed all 259 people aboard the Boeing 747 and 11 people on the ground, marking one of the most infamous acts of terrorism in aviation history.We’ll uncover the details of how the bomb was planted, the subsequent investigation that spanned years, and the global manhunt for those responsible. We’ll also discuss the long-term impact this tragedy had on international aviation security and counterterrorism measures. Join us as we explore how this devastating event altered the landscape of air travel forever and the ongoing quest for justice for the victims of Pan Am 103.
- The Deadly Crash of American Airlines Flight 191 (00:08:16)
In this episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we delve into the tragic events surrounding American Airlines Flight 191, one of the deadliest aviation accidents in U.S. history. On May 25, 1979, moments after takeoff from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the DC-10 experienced a catastrophic engine failure, resulting in the loss of control and the deaths of all 271 passengers and crew, as well as two people on the ground.We’ll break down the mechanical failures, maintenance issues, and regulatory oversights that contributed to this disaster. Discover how this tragedy not only shocked the world but also led to significant changes in aircraft maintenance procedures and the redesign of the DC-10. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from Flight 191 and how this dark day in aviation history continues to shape safety regulations today.
- The Tragic Downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (00:16:41)
In this deeply sobering episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we explore the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, one of the most shocking aviation disasters of the 21st century. On July 17, 2014, the Boeing 777 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew aboard. What should have been a routine flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur turned into an international crisis and a heartbreaking loss for the victims' families.We’ll examine the geopolitical tensions that led to this catastrophe, the devastating effects of the missile strike, and the global investigation that followed. We’ll also discuss the long-lasting impact of the tragedy on aviation security and international air travel. Tune in as we navigate through the heartbreaking details and the pursuit of justice for the victims of Flight MH17.
- The Catastrophe of Turkish Airlines Flight 981 (00:09:11)
In this episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we dive into the tragic story of Turkish Airlines Flight 981, one of the deadliest crashes in aviation history. On March 3, 1974, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 en route from Paris to London crashed into the Ermenonville Forest, killing all 346 people on board. What caused this disaster? A simple design flaw in the cargo door, compounded by oversight and miscommunication, led to explosive decompression and a loss of control.We’ll break down the technical failures that doomed the flight, explore the harrowing details of the final moments, and discuss the sweeping changes in aircraft design and safety regulations that were implemented as a result of this tragedy. Tune in for an in-depth look at how one of the worst airline disasters forever changed the aviation industry.
- The 1996 Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision: Aviation’s Darkest Day (00:09:40)
In this harrowing episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we unravel the events leading to the catastrophic Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, one of the deadliest aviation accidents of all time. On November 12, 1996, two commercial airliners—a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76—collided in the skies over India, claiming 349 lives. We’ll break down the communication errors, procedural flaws, and airspace challenges that contributed to this devastating accident.Join us as we explore the aftermath, the global impact on aviation safety, and the critical lessons learned from this tragic incident that led to major changes in air traffic control and international aviation standards.
- The Tragedy of Japan Airlines Flight 123 (00:09:45)
In this gripping episode of AIRLINE DISASTERS, we explore the devastating crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123, the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. On August 12, 1985, a routine domestic flight turned into a nightmare when the Boeing 747 suffered a catastrophic failure, leading to a heartbreaking loss of 520 lives. Join us as we delve into the technical failures, cockpit recordings, and the heroic efforts of passengers and crew during the final moments. We’ll also examine how this disaster reshaped aviation safety standards worldwide.
- The Deadliest Accident in Aviation History: Tenerife Airport Disaster (00:09:05)
The disaster at Tenerife Airport in 1977, in which two Boeing 747s collided on the runway, remains the deadliest accident in aviation history. This podcast examines the events of that day, exploring the factors that led to the crash and the lasting impact it has had on aviation safety.