Mixed Signals (Birgenair Flight 301) (S05E09)

On February 6, 1996, Birgenair Flight 301 prepares for its journey from Puerto Plata to Frankfurt. As the aircraft takes off, the captain notices that his airspeed indicator (ASI) is malfunctioning, while the co-pilot's ASI displays the correct speed. Misunderstanding the situation, the pilots mistakenly conclude that both ASIs are faulty, resulting in a tragic loss of control. The aircraft ultimately plunges into the Atlantic Ocean, claiming the lives of all 13 crew members and 176 passengers aboard. Investigations later revealed that a wasp had built a nest in one of the pitot tubes, which had been left uncovered during the plane's prolonged stay at the airport.