How a hidden scratch shattered Flight 611
Topics discussed
Public Health Sponsor Intro
Setting the scene: Flight 611 takes off
The plane vanishes from radar
Search and recovery efforts begin
Ruling out the missile theory
Investigating the fuel tank explosion theory
Ballistic trajectory analysis of debris
Identifying the failure point: tail and D-panels
Metallurgist finds evidence of metal fatigue
Discovering the hidden crack and oxide layer
The 1980 tail strike and faulty repair
Physics of pressurization and metal fatigue
The missed inspection and nicotine stains
Industry changes and modern inspection tech
Conclusion: Trusting the maintenance chain
Public Health Sponsor Outro
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