Air India crash reignites Boeing concerns: Here's what global documentaries reveal

India Today

2 days ago

Once hailed as the gold standard in aviation, Boeing is now mired in controversy. The recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where a London-bound flight went down near a medical college just after takeoff, has once again put the aircraft maker under scrutiny. As the nation mourns, questions arise about possible Boeing-related faults. In recent years, global documentaries have also spotlighted Boeing's involvement in multiple tragic crashes.advertisementTake a look at some of the names here:'Downfall: The Case Against Boeing' (2022)
This gripping Netflix documentary offers a sobering look into the tragic saga of Boeing's 737 MAX crashes, raising serious questions about the company's internal culture and its pursuit of profit over passenger safety. Through whistleblower accounts, expert insights, and harrowing survivor testimonies, Downfall paints a portrait of a corporate giant in crisis.'Boeing's Fatal Flaw' (2021)Produced in collaboration with The New York Times, this PBS/Frontline investigative piece dives deep into the hidden software glitch, Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which played a central role in two deadly crashes. It highlights regulatory blind spots, engineering oversights, and the high-stakes decisions that ultimately cost hundreds of lives.'Flight/Risk' (2022)Told through the eyes of those directly affected, 'Flight/Risk' documents the journey of family members, aviation lawyers, and former Boeing employees as they search for accountability in the wake of the MAX disasters. It's a raw, human-centred documentary that reveals the emotional and legal battle behind the headlines. It streams on Prime Video.advertisement'Uncovering the Secrets of Boeing' (2024)This international YouTube documentary explores Boeing's internal dynamics amid mounting scrutiny from global regulators and media. Featuring aviation analysts and former insiders, it pieces together how one of the most trusted names in flight became the subject of a global reckoning.'Jumbo: The Plane That Changed the World' (2014)This BBC production chronicles the ambitious creation of the Boeing 747, the aircraft that made long-haul travel accessible to the masses. With rare archival clips and interviews with the original design team, it captures the triumphs and tensions behind aviation's most iconic jet.'Flying Heavy Metal' (2005)Hosted by Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, this fun and informative series on YouTube includes segments on Boeing jets, exploring what makes them powerful, reliable, and pilot-friendly. It's a pilot's-eye view of aviation with a rock 'n' roll twist.'The Disaster Plane: Boeing 737 MAX – What Went Wrong?' (2024)A straightforward yet impactful breakdown of the 737 MAX crisis, this YouTube documentary investigates how a once-reliable aircraft design became embroiled in controversy. It's a primer for anyone looking to understand the core issues without the noise.'Boeing Archives Video Series' Released by Boeing itself, this series revisits key moments in the company's history—from the birth of the 707 to the making of the 747. It offers a corporate lens on innovation, ambition, and the challenges of staying airborne in a turbulent industry.Tune InMust Watch