Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Frozen in a Burning 747 (Tenerife Air Disaster 2)
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Jan 17, 2025 A runway disaster unfolds as two planes collide, leading to a fireball that claims lives. Hear the gripping survival stories from passengers as they navigate chaos and fear. The psychological impact of crises is explored, revealing why some freeze while others fight. Discover the importance of clear communication and decision-making in aviation safety. Insights from groundbreaking research link emotions to physiological responses, shedding light on our instincts during life-threatening moments.
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Jean's Experience
- Jean Marshall Brown, leading a tour group, experienced the Tenerife air disaster firsthand.
- Initially, she froze, thinking "This is the way it feels to die."
Pan Am's Frustrations
- The Pan Am crew faced multiple delays, including a bomb threat and a blocked runway.
- The KLM captain's actions further frustrated them, creating a tense atmosphere.
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
- Walter Bradford Cannon's "fight or flight" concept describes physiological responses to stress.
- However, he overlooked a common reaction: freezing.
