Mayday

Season 12, Episode 8

Episode Title: Catastrophe at OHare (American Airlines Flight 191)

Air Date: 2013-02-25

Overview:

On 25 May 1979, the left engine of American Airlines Flight 191 falls off moments after takeoff at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The aircraft crashes into an open field shortly thereafter, killing all 271 people on board and two people on the ground. The engine fell off because the pylon attaching it to the wing had suffered damage caused by improper maintenance procedures.