Скачать или смотреть One Wrong Turn, One Survivor :The Story of Comair Flight 5191

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Comair Flight 5191 – The Fatal Wrong Turn

On August 27, 2006, Comair Flight 5191, a Bombardier CRJ-100ER, was scheduled for a routine flight from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, to Atlanta, Georgia. In the early morning darkness, the pilots mistakenly lined up on Runway 26 instead of Runway 22. The critical difference? Runway 26 was only 3,500 feet long—far too short for the aircraft to take off safely.

At 6:06 AM, the aircraft accelerated down the runway. Moments later, Captain Jeffrey Clay realized the mistake, but it was too late. The plane struggled to lift off, clipped a fence, struck trees, and crashed into a field just beyond the airport—**bursting into flames.**

49 of the 50 people on board perished instantly. The sole survivor was First Officer James Polehinke, who suffered severe injuries, including brain trauma and paralysis.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found that pilot error, fatigue, and poor airport lighting were key factors. The tragedy led to significant aviation safety reforms, including stricter runway verification procedures and increased lighting at regional airports.

Comair Flight 5191 remains a haunting reminder of how small mistakes can lead to devastating consequences in aviation.

Fact-Checked Sources:
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Accident Report, 2007
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Runway Safety Advisory
Eyewitness and survivor accounts from news reports