Mayday - What Happens When Planes Crash. (Air Crash Investigation)

Member Name: Machair1

Product:	Air Crash Investigation
Date:	04/03/09 (238 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Informative and Inspirational.

Disadvantages: Probably not for those who fear flying.

I am an aeroplane enthusiast and have a passion for flying so it is no surprise that my favourite TV show is Air Crash Investigation on National Geographic. Now if you have a fear of flying this may not be the telly for you, but be comforted because every crash is painstakingly investigated to the very last detail so that lessons can be learnt and so that flying can be safer in the future. This documentary is not about instilling fear into the watcher, but about providing reassurance that flying is always evolving and that crashes though spectacular are thankfully rare.

The documentary was originally produced in Canada and was called Mayday. The way the drama is structured means it can provide a very detailed lead up to the crash and the episodes have a balance between actors and actresses who play the part of the passengers and crew, together with interviews with actual passengers and investigators giving the show real relevance. Some of the stories are intensely moving, and you feel so involved with what happens. This is intermingled with the science and the technical issues which cause the crashes to occur, so that you have a scientific account brought to life. Nothing is left to speculation. The actual text used corresponds to the cockpit recordings recovered from the flight box, and the images of the crashes are simulated to be extremely lifelike, so you almost feel you have witnessed the event.

The show is constantly being made and although there are many repeats being shown there are new series being scheduled all the time, one is just starting now.

I think what builds up in the viewers of this program is the picture of dedication by members of the investigation teams and the way their findings are changing the way flights are being organised. For example "Too Fat to Fly" is an episode which sticks in my mind like no other because it told the story of a commuter flight which was leaving Charlotte in North Carolina. It was overloaded but no one saw it as they were still using guides for weight of passengers which had been drawn up long before people started to experience obesity in increasing numbers. The flight was heading towards the borderline weight to fly and was thought to be safe, but it crashed on take off killing everyone on board, including a beautiful young girl whose parents spoke so movingly about her. As a result of this crash the weights were reviewed and steps taken to ensure it was never repeated, and passengers on small aircraft now have the confidence this will not happen again. I find this reassuring as I travel on small twin prop aircraft a lot and as these carry cargo as well as passengers it is reassuring to know that this is now safer than it has ever been.

There are so many interesting and captivating tales-some have happy endings like the so called "Jakarta incident" when a British Airways flight flew into a volcanic cloud and lost 4 engines but still managed to touch down, or the story of Air Transat Flight 236 which ran out of fuel in mid air but still managed to land on no engines in the Azores is quite simply inspirational. Some others sadly involve the tragic loss of life but the space gives us time to reflect and remember them.

I can highly recommend this which runs for about 45 minute to an hour for each episode and it certainly portrays an event in history with sensitivity. It mixes emotion with science, and actually makes you feel comforted that no stone is ever left unturned in the aftermath of any air crash or incident.

Summary: A very good documentary which is my favourite.