Mayday

Mayday

  • 2003
  • 26 Seasons
  • 240 Episodes
  •  8.199  (279)
  •   Returning Series

Major real-life air disasters are depicted in this series. Each episode features a detailed dramatized reconstruction of the incident based on cockpit voice recorders and air traffic control transcripts, as well as eyewitnesses recounts and interviews with aviation experts.

Mayday
Seasons
Mixed Measures (Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316)
10. Mixed Measures (Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316)
April 06, 2026
On 15 April 1999, Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316 crashes into an industrial zone shortly after takeoff from Shanghai, China, killing all 3 crew members on board and 5 people on the ground. The pilots lost altitude situational awareness and made abrupt flight control inputs.
Monsoon Approach (Air India Express Flight 1344)
9. Monsoon Approach (Air India Express Flight 1344)
March 30, 2026
On 7 August 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 plunges down a gorge after overrunning the runway at Kozhikode International Airport in poor weather, killing 21 of the 190 people on board. The captain continued the unstabilized approach and landed too far down the runway.
Norwegian Nightmare (Widerøe Flight 839)
8. Norwegian Nightmare (Widerøe Flight 839)
March 23, 2026
On 12 April 1990, Widerøe Flight 839 crashes into the water shortly after takeoff from Værøy Airport in Norway, killing all five people on board. The investigation determined that the aircraft suffered a structural failure due to strong winds that exceeded its design criteria.
Deadly Cover Up (Aeroperú Flight 603)
7. Deadly Cover Up (Aeroperú Flight 603)
March 16, 2026
On 2 October 1996, shortly after take off, the crew of Aeroperú Flight 603 are confused by false speed and altitude readings and contradictory warnings from the aircraft's air data system. In preparation for an emergency landing, the crew descend the aircraft, but unknowingly descend too far by relying on the false readings. The aircraft crashes into the Pacific Ocean, killing all 70 people on board. The false readings and contradictory warnings were caused by duct tape over the static ports, which was used to protect the ports during maintenance, but was not removed afterwards. Note: This accident was previously featured in the episode "Flying Blind" (S01E04) and as a special in the episode "Who's Flying the Plane?" (S06E03).
Deadly Charter (2001 Aspen Gulfstream III crash)
6. Deadly Charter (2001 Aspen Gulfstream III crash)
March 09, 2026
On 29 March 2001, a chartered business jet operated by Avjet crashes into a hillside while on final approach to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Colorado, killing all 18 people on board. The cause of the accident was the pilots' premature descent below the minimum descent altitude.
A Perfect Storm (Nürnberger Flugdienst Flight 108)
5. A Perfect Storm (Nürnberger Flugdienst Flight 108)
March 02, 2026
On 8 February 1988, Nürnberger Flugdienst Flight 108 breaks up in mid-air and crashes near Kettwig, Germany, while on approach to Düsseldorf Airport, killing all 21 people on board. The pilots suffered spatial disorientation after a lightning strike caused a total electrical failure.
Crash Landing (Eagle Airways Flight 2300)
4. Crash Landing (Eagle Airways Flight 2300)
February 23, 2026
On 18 June 2007, the landing gear of Eagle Airways Flight 2300 fails to extend while on approach to Wellington. The pilots divert the aircraft and make a belly landing at Blenheim, saving all 17 people on board. The landing gear failed due to a fatigue crack in the hydraulic actuator.
Divided in Crisis (Air Algérie 6289)
3. Divided in Crisis (Air Algérie 6289)
February 16, 2026
On 6 March 2003, the left engine of Air Algérie Flight 6289 fails during takeoff from Aguenar – Hadj Bey Akhamok Airport in Tamanrasset, Algeria. The aircraft enters a stall and crashes into a desert near the Trans-Sahara Highway, killing all but 1 of the 103 occupants on board.
Peril over Pakistan (Airblue Flight 202)
2. Peril over Pakistan (Airblue Flight 202)
February 09, 2026
On 28 July 2010, Airblue Flight 202 crashes into the Margalla Hills while attempting to land at Benazir Bhutto International Airport in poor weather conditions, killing all 152 people on board. The crash was caused by the pilots' errors in judgement and lack of professionalism.
Moments from Touchdown (Yeti Airlines Flight 691)
1. Moments from Touchdown (Yeti Airlines Flight 691)
February 02, 2026
On 15 January 2023, Yeti Airlines Flight 691 stalls and crashes into a gorge near the Seti Gandaki River during final approach to Pokhara International Airport, killing all 72 people on board. It was later determined that the pilots accidentally feathered the aircraft's propellers.
Air Crash Investigation | Official Trailer | National Geographic UK

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Description
Major real-life air disasters are depicted in this series. Each episode features a detailed dramatized reconstruction of the incident based on cockpit voice recorders and air traffic control transcripts, as well as eyewitnesses recounts and interviews with aviation experts.
  • Premiere Date
    September 03, 2003
  • Rating
    8.199  (279)