Many children who fly for the first time have dreamed of meeting the pilots of their flight. And sometimes, while a plane still sits on the ground, a pilot may even invite youngsters into the cockpit for a quick tour or photo. But on March 22, 1994, when a pilot opens the cockpit to visitors while inflight, things go from celebratory to disastrous in just moments. Join Shelly in this episode of Take to the Sky: The Air Disaster Podcast as she recounts the unprecedented events as they unfolded on Aeroflot 593, and the proceeding investigation that revealed the astonishing truth of what brought down the plane.

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Stormy skies throughout the USA's Midwest on August 6, 1966 had pilots on alert, and a storm cell led to mixed reports from dispatchers on the ground and flight crews in the air. This week, join Stephanie for the story of Braniff Airways Flight 250, which rocked the aviation industry and the community of Falls City, Nebraska when the aircraft encountered conditions that threatened the lives of everyone onboard.

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On the evening of June 27, 1980, Itavia Flight 870, with 81 people onboard, crashed into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Sicily. In the preceding decades, Itavia 870 became known for its complicated investigations that took twists and turns, a public that pointed to conspiracies, a judiciary that alleged coverups, and conclusions that divided investigators. Join Shelly in this episode of Take to the Sky: The Air Disaster Podcast as she takes us back to the crash and to its victims' stories and a discusssion about what we can learn from the complicated history forever known as The Ustica Massacre.

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On May 24, 1988, TACA Flight 110 was preparing to make an ordinary landing in some less-than-desirable weather-- and that's when a normal flight turned into a terrifying attempt to make a safe landing. Join Stephanie for this week's episode of Take to the Sky: The Air Disaster Podcast as we discuss an incredible story and a memorable legacy that aviation has not forgotten.

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When friends Jens Lundy and pilot Jim Hawley decided to rent a plane and take their fathers on a once-in-alifetime fishing trip to Loreto, Mexico, they never thought that disaster would strike. After the plane's single engine fails, the four men face something that few others have ever survived: they will need to ditch the plane in a thrashing ocean and wait it out until help arrives. Will they be rescued in time? Join Shelly as she shares this unbelievable story that highlights the strength and resilience behind the bond of friends and family. 

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There are many mysteries in the world around us, and the world of aviation has its fair share of incidents with open questions and dead ends. In this week's episode of Take to the Sky: the Air Disaster Podcast, we take a look at one of the USA's most shocking and least-understood air disasters: Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 2501. Join Stephanie as she shares the story of how one flight took off for a cross-country flight between New York and Washington-- and how, to this day, the questions of what happened and why continue to elude the aviation community.

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When the AFIS officer on duty has trouble calling up the overdue arrival of Trigana Air Flight 267 on August 16, 2015, no one, at first, was worried. But the mystery only deepens once the plane is found - but west of the regular approach path. In episode 115 of Take to the Sky: The Air Disaster Podcast, join Shelly as she shares the troubling path taken by the crew of Trigana Flight 267 - and how an investigation revealed ways that confidence sometimes is a double-edged sword.

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As Avianca Flight 52 prepared for landing, a series of traffic-related delays kept their aircraft circling above JFK Airport longer than expected. Although the crew was prepared for bad weather and a wait before they could land, they weren't prepared for what came next-- and neither were the passengers onboard. Join Stephanie as she shares a story about how essential communication is in all aspects of aviation safety in this week's episode of Take to the Sky: the Air Disaster Podcast.

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Shortly after takeoff on March 1, 1978, the flight crew of Continental Airlines Flight 603 hears a loud boom and knows instantly what that sound means: it is no longer safe to takeoff, and instead, the takeoff will be rejected. But now, the plane won't stop. Join Shelly for this incredible episode of Take to the Sky: The Air Disaster Podcast as we walk through the events that unfolded on the runway and how the investigation uncovered flaws in the design of many aircraft components meant to keep passengers safe.

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As the United Kingdom came into view below British Midland Flight 542, passengers onboard were excited to reunited with friends and family again-- and the flight crew was baffled by the sudden failure of an engine that, in turn, rendered the plane uncontrollable. In this week's episode of Take to the Sky: the Air Disaster Podcast, Stephanie shares the story of how the plane that didn't have time to line up with its intended runway and, instead, ended up on a collision course with the town of Stockport.