Air Disasters Logo

Watch S18, EP23: Fatal Flaw with Fubo for $0 Today

TVGHDAir Disasters1hSmithsonian Channel

A look at several air disasters that involved small components that failed; accidents caused by minor defects or errors; how the follow-up investigations led to changes that have made flying safer.

A look at several air disasters that involved small components that failed; accidents caused by minor defects or errors; how the follow-up investigations led to changes that have made flying safer.

More episodes

Air Disasters

S18, EP19 "Runaway Train"

A freight train carrying an excess of cargo loses its brakes while descending a mountain causing it to gain speed and derail into a neighborhood killing several people.

Air Disasters

S24, EP9 "Lost Star Footballer"

With rising young football star Emiliano Sala on board, a chartered Piper Malibu suddenly disappears from radar over the English Channel.

Air Disasters

S24, EP10 "Deadly Directive"

When Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes shortly after takeoff, the catastrophe leads to the grounding of the entire Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet.

Air Disasters

S11, EP7 "Caught on Tape"

The dashcam of a passing car captures stunning footage of the final moments of a Taiwanese commuter aircraft as it banks steeply, clips an elevated highway and nosedives into the river; investigators find no signs of pre-impact malfunction.

Air Disasters

S25, EP1 "Pacific Ditching"

Just after takeoff from Honolulu, TransAir Flight 810 loses power and ditches in the Pacific. Both pilots survive, blaming dual engine failure — but when the Boeing 737 is recovered, the wreckage reveals a different cause behind it.

Statistically, traveling by airplane is safer than driving and other forms of transportation, but when something goes wrong during a flight, it can be catastrophic with potentially hundreds of lives at stake. This series examines some of the world's worst air disasters, using official reports, transcripts and interviews with people involved to tell the stories of midair mishaps and discover what went wrong in each case. Episodes include a discussion of how the weather affects flights -- including stories of aviation disasters and near-misses -- and a New Year's Eve flight that fell from the sky into the Florida Everglades.
Starring: Bill Lake, Clinton Lee Pontes, Darryl Flatman, Dom Fiore, Frank Nakashima, Jamie Spilchuk, Jeanie Calleja, Jeff Sinasac, Jonathan Aris, Kevin Bundy, Oliver Dawson, Richard Tse, Ryan Hollyman, Steven Gallagher, Tre Smith
Original Air Date: May 15, 2011
Genres: DocuseriesTV Series
Rating: TV14
Playback: HD
23 seasons available on demand
Available on

More history shows

See all

Carriers at War

These super carriers have always been a vital part of the U.S. Navy. These powerful metal beasts are capable of carrying billions of dollars' worth of aircraft to hostile locations to bring air power against the enemies. This is an in-depth look at what makes these super carriers function and into everyday life aboard their decks. Viewers get a look into how they are built and to the jobs required to keep them all running smoothly.

Kelsey Grammer's Historic Battles for America

A deep dive into key battles that left an indelible mark on America.

Legends & Lies: The Real West

Fox News mainstay Bill O'Reilly jumps behind the camera, serving as executive producer of this series that explores stories behind some of the most famous -- and infamous -- figures of the Old West. Each episode delves into the life of one such individual, using new interviews, archival photos and forensic science to paint a complete picture of the person. Direct descendants and historians are among the interviewees who shed light on the lives of such figures as Jesse James, Davy Crockett, Doc Holliday and "Wild" Bill Hickok. The 10-episode series is a companion to O'Reilly's book of the same name.

Lost Treasures of Egypt

Hunting Egypt's lost treasures in the Valley of the Kings.

Explore {{ type }} on Fubo

Action

Comedy

Documentary

Drama

Family

Home/Cooking

Horror

Music

Nature

News/Talk

Reality

Romance

Science Fiction

Sports