Thanks to our Patron Kevin Shaw for recommending this episode, and to Erica for Guesting for this episode!

Photo Sources:

Video Source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fgr3rwC7BQ

Research Sources:

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0704.pdf

“Cracks in the System.” Air Disasters, season 2, episode 1, Smithsonian Channel, 17 June 2012.

Thanks to Kevin for the correction in classifications:

Part 135 (14 CFR part 135) are charter flights. They can be any size aircraft from a Piper Cub to an A-380. In fact, there is quite a bit of increased scrutiny over charter operations in Alaska – many of which are Cubs (1 pilot, 1 passenger) and small Cessnas (2-5 pax). Another area of increased scrutiny is “illegal charter flights” where a part 91 pilot flies a part 91 aircraft for hire.
Part 129 are foreign carriers operating in US airspace. This can be anything from puddle-jumpers from the Caribbean to heavies coming from the Middle East or Asia.

September 8, 2026

ALM980

On May 2, 1970, An ALM DC-9 is flying to St. Maarten, but they don’t end up landing there. What caused this flight to need to ditch?

September 1, 2026

TK1951

On February 25, 2009, A Turkish Airlines flight is landing in Amsterdam, but they don’t make it to the runway. What caused this flight to crash land while on their descent?

August 25, 2026

RV8

On June 8, 1983, A Lockheed Electra is doing a domestic flight from Cold Bay, Alaska to Seattle, Washington, but it does not make it very far. What caused this flight to need to make an emergency landing?

August 18, 2026

56-3755/ UAL736

On April 21, 1958, A United Airlines DC-7 is doing a routine flight over Las Vegas when they suddenly start plummeting toward the ground. What caused the unfortunate end to this flight, and how did it change aviation thereafter?