Why Planes Crash

Exploring terrifying airplane disasters, beginning with a look at why pilots risk ditching in water, and a hijacked 767 that was forced into the ocean.

A gripping look at how engines and structures have failed in flight, including how nine passengers were sucked out of a 747 when a cargo door exploded over the Pacific.

Instances of human error that resulted in plane crashes are examined. Like: Colgan Air Flight 3407, American Airlines Flight 587, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 and Avianca Flight 52.

Instances of on board fires are examined, including: Swissair Flight 111, Air France Flight 4590, ValuJet Flight 592 and Air Canada Flight 797.

Examining collisions between planes. Included: a corporate jet and a 737 collide above the Amazon; a DC-8 tears into the fuselage of a Lockheed Constellation above New York City; a 727 slams into a Cessna above San Diego.