Top 10 Air Disaster Videos of All Time | Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation・2 minutes read

Numerous aviation incidents highlight the critical importance of proper weight and balance calculations, emergency procedures, and pilot decision-making to ensure passenger and crew safety during unexpected events and emergencies.

Insights

  • The pilots of Emery Worldwide flight 17 faced a critical emergency due to an out-of-limit center of gravity, showcasing the importance of precise weight and balance calculations before takeoff to ensure flight safety.
  • The chaotic evacuation of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco highlights the necessity of efficient emergency procedures and passenger safety protocols during a crisis, emphasizing the critical role of crew training and preparedness in ensuring successful outcomes.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges did the pilots face during takeoff?

    The pilots of Emery Worldwide flight 17 encountered issues with the DC-8 cargo plane during takeoff, including uncommanded left banks, extreme balance problems, and a steep pitch upward. These challenges indicated a problem with the center of gravity being out of limits, leading to difficulties in controlling the aircraft.

  • How did the pilots handle the emergency situation?

    Despite the challenges faced during takeoff, the pilots managed to bring the plane within sight of the runway and declared an emergency due to the center of gravity being out of limits. They followed emergency procedures, including attempting to control the plane and ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

  • What caused the fire on China Airlines flight 120?

    After landing safely, a fire erupted in the engine of China Airlines flight 120. The exact cause of the fire was not specified in the summary, but the pilots followed an evacuation checklist to safely evacuate all passengers from the plane.

  • How did the crew of Payne Stewart's Learjet fare?

    Unfortunately, the crash of Payne Stewart's Learjet in South Dakota resulted in no survivors. Despite efforts to control the aircraft, the crew was unable to prevent the tragic outcome of the crash.

  • What challenges did Cathay Pacific Flight 780 face during landing?

    Cathay Pacific Flight 780 encountered engine issues during descent, leading to a dramatic emergency landing on a narrow strip of grass. The pilots and crew had to navigate these challenges to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Cargo Plane Emergency: Pilots Battle Balance

  • Captain Kevin Stables and First Officer George Land are preparing to pilot Emery Worldwide flight 17, a 30-year-old DC-8 cargo plane.
  • Before takeoff, they receive a load plan detailing the freight containers' weight and positions on the airplane.
  • They calculate the weight and balance of the plane to ensure accuracy.
  • During takeoff, the DC-8 pitches upward steeply, indicating an issue.
  • The pilots struggle to control the plane, facing uncommanded left banks and extreme balance problems.
  • They declare an emergency due to the center of gravity being out of limits.
  • Despite difficulties, they manage to bring the plane within sight of the runway.
  • China Airlines flight 120 lands safely, but a fire erupts in the engine after parking.
  • The pilots follow an evacuation checklist to get all passengers off the plane safely.
  • Payne Stewart's Learjet crashes in South Dakota, resulting in no survivors.

14:54

Fatal Air Disasters: Flight Chaos and Tragedy

  • Air France Flight 4590 is cleared for takeoff on runway 26 right by controller Gilles Logelin.
  • The first officer alerts the captain they've reached V1, the decision speed, and must continue takeoff.
  • The plane veers left, and despite attempts to abort takeoff, it's too late.
  • Flames are spotted on the aircraft, prompting emergency procedures.
  • The crew struggles to control the plane as an engine fire is dealt with.
  • First Officer Marcot suggests diverting to a nearby airport, but the fire engulfs the plane.
  • Fine Air Cargo Flight 101 prepares for takeoff from Miami to the Dominican Republic.
  • The crew follows standard procedures until the plane encounters issues during takeoff.
  • The crew fights to control the plane as it crashes in Miami, resulting in fatalities.
  • Cathay Pacific Flight 780 faces engine issues during descent, leading to a dramatic emergency landing on a narrow strip of grass.

31:07

Miraculous evacuations from plane crashes in water

  • Passengers on a flight landing in the Hudson River face the risk of hypothermia due to the freezing water, with feet and hands becoming numb quickly.
  • After a crash landing, passengers on Flight 1549 are evacuated onto slide rafts, ensuring all 150 passengers and crew are brought to safety.
  • Asiana Flight 214, with many Chinese passengers, crashes in San Francisco, leading to a chaotic evacuation where passengers use makeshift stairs to escape the burning plane.
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