Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Tenerife: The Most Deadly Air Disaster
Jan 30, 2024
In 1977, two planes collided at Tenerife Airport, leading to the deadliest aviation disaster in history. The podcast uncovers the critical factors that led to this tragic event, including pilot impatience and the dense fog that created a perilous situation. Listeners explore the chaos on the runway and the chilling question of why more passengers didn't escape. It's a gripping examination of human error and the unpredictability of aviation safety.
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Tenerife Airport Disaster
- KLM Flight 4805, piloted by Captain Van Zanten, was delayed at Tenerife Airport.
- Due to fog and miscommunication, it collided with a Pan Am 747 on the runway.
Deadliest Aviation Accident
- The Tenerife airport disaster is the deadliest accident in aviation history.
- This podcast explores the causes of the crash and why so few people escaped.