America has so many stories to tell. And nobody brings them to your home like Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel HD

Devastating failures in the air put pilots to the test and shine a light on three feats of flying.

Air Disasters

Courage in the Cockpit

When former race car driver Niki Lauda's planes nosedives into a Thai jungle, a one-in-a-million failure reveals a weak spot in every Boeing 767; radio silence between pilots and air traffic controllers send investigators hunting for answers.

Design Flaws

If pilots aren't prepared when the runway is in sight, a landing can quickly become a tragedy.

Runway in Sight

Three planes fatally out of balance force investigators to question every calculation; it's a flight risk that's entirely preventable, and yet repeated disasters reconfirm the need for critical backup systems.

Perilous Payload

The essentials for national sports, news, and entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT

The essentials, plus regional sports, MLB, NBA, college sports networks, and more.

CHOICE™

A full range of regional and national sports, news, entertainment, perfect for the whole family.

ULTIMATE

The most for TV lovers, popular premium networks included, plus regional and national sports.

PREMIER™

Enjoy ad-supported channels free of charge with MyFree DIRECTV.

MyFree DIRECTV

Popular entertainment channels. Includes Disney+, Hulu Bundle, and HBO Max Basic With Ads.

MyEntertainment

MyLocals

Add 10 additional Movie channels. Requires MyNews, MyEntertainment, MySports, or MyKids Base Pack.

MyCinema

MyNewsLocals

Add 9 additional Sports channels. Requires MySports Base Pack

MySportsExtra

Sports and broadcast networks. Includes ESPN Unlimited subscription.

MySports

Engaging channels for nonstop fun and learning made just for kids. Includes Disney+.

MyKids

Channels that focus on breaking news and information. Local channels included and vary by market.

MyNews

In-market Regional Sports Networks and National sports channels. Requires MySports base pack.

MyHomeTeam

60+ popular channels. Includes subscription to ViX Premium with ads!

MiEspanol

MÁS LATINO™

The ultimate bilingual TV package with live sports, news, entertainment, and 23 soccer leagues from 18 countries

ÓPTIMO MÁS™

MÁS ULTRA™

LO MÁXIMO™

Watch TV Networks, Shows and Movies | DIRECTV

The latest movies and must watch shows!

Watch Lanterns exclusively on HBO and the HBO Max app, included with an HBO Max subscription.

Data/messaging rates may apply for app download/usage. HBO Max subscription required.

Welcome to your ultimate entertainment destination. Watch new episodes of Lioness and more all in one network.

Watch exclusive originals like psychological thriller American Hostage, hit movies & more.

MGM+ is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Lion Corp. All copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights are the property of their respective owners.

Watch visionary original series like Outlander, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, Spartacus: House of Ashur, Power Book, BMF and much more.

Watch Hollywood hits like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Black Adam, and more.

Experts analyze various plane crashes with an aim to figure out how these disasters occurred; they also shed light on how such accidents shaped the aviation industry and improved safety standards.

S20 E18 | Courage in the Cockpit