Arrow Media has been commissioned by Channel 4 to explore the Boeing 737 MAX disaster. Building on Arrow’s huge body of aviation-related programming, Boeing’s Killer Plane: What Went Wrong? will unravel the chain of events that led to two modern passenger jets falling out of the sky and investigate why the story of the fastest-selling aircraft in Boeing’s history ended in disaster and tragedy. With investigations into the Ethiopia disaster ongoing, this 60-minute documentary will examine the crash reports to explore how these catastrophes could have been avoided.
The Boeing 737 MAX promised to be an incredible aircraft: a quieter ride for passengers, increased fuel-efficiency and an 8% reduction in operational costs – all of which led to more than 5,000 orders. There was also a new anti-stall system aimed to ensure passengers were safe. However, on 29 October 2018, the unthinkable happened - Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea. All 189 people on board died. Less than five months later, on 10 March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX also crashed. All 157 people on board died.
With state-of-the-art flight simulation and vivid CGI sequences the film will give a 360-degree breakdown of how the planes malfunctioned and offer an insight into the experiences of the pilots and passengers during those flights’ final moments. Through access to both experts and the victims’ families, this insightful film explores the backstory and the unfolding narrative. It will aim to provide answers to the critical question - why did the story of Boeing’s newest commercial aircraft go so horribly wrong?
Ash Potterton, Executive Producer, Arrow Media, says: “The Boeing 737 MAX promised to become the highpoint of the legendary 737 design. Arrow have been at the forefront of aviation-related programming for many years, so have been interested in the MAX since its launch. Little did we know that, just under two years later, we would be commissioned to tell the compelling story of how it ended in disaster.”
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, Channel 4 says: “Flying is part and parcel of the modern world. Every time we fly we’re relying on the expertise of the manufacturers and pilots to keep us safe. To have two deadly crashes, linked to a common fault is every passenger’s worst nightmare. In telling this story we want to examine not just what went wrong, but crucially also give audiences an idea of just how safe it will be to fly in the future.”
Boeing’s Killer Plane: What Went Wrong? is Exec Produced by Ash Potterton and directed by Kenny Scott for Arrow Media, and is distributed internationally by TVF International.