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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.

Air Disasters

Fatal Flaw

Avianca Flight 52 is delayed numerous times by bad weather en route; it is dangerously low on fuel as it attempts a landing at New York City.

Missing Over New York

A blade on the left-side propeller of Atlantic Southeast Airlines Flight breaks off; the imbalance of the rotating propeller causes the engine to partly tear itself from its mounting.

A Wounded Bird

A cockpit window on British Airways Flight blows out, partially ejecting and injuring the captain; the co-pilot completes an emergency landing.

Blow Out

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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.

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A 747's cargo door opens at 23,000 feet, causing an explosive decompression that ejects nine passengers from the plane.

S18 E7 | Unlocking Disaster