Quick Summary
A plane crashed into a seawall at San Francisco International Airport, sparking an immediate and detailed safety review by authorities. The review uncovered a surprising flaw in standard aircraft operating procedures that could place passengers around the world at risk of injury.
About This Program ✦
"Terror in San Francisco" is a programme presented as a single episode. It falls under the genre of a self‑contained instalment, offering a concise focus on a specific incident rather than an extended series. The format allows the story to unfold within a limited running time while keeping the narrative tight. The episode centres on a striking aviation incident in which an aircraft struck a seawall at San Francisco International Airport. That collision exposed an unexpected problem that, according to the programme, threatens the safety of passengers worldwide. By tracing the sequence of events surrounding the crash, the show highlights how a seemingly isolated mishap can point to a broader, hidden risk affecting air travel on a global scale. In presenting the case, the programme underscores the link between the physical impact on the seawall and the underlying issue it revealed. It suggests that the problem is not confined to a single airport or airline, but rather has implications for the entire passenger community. The narrative builds on the notion that what appeared to be a local accident actually signalled a systemic vulnerability. Ultimately, the episode leaves viewers with a clear picture of how one crash at San Francisco International Airport brought to light a surprising danger that could endanger travellers everywhere, prompting questions about aviation safety standards worldwide.
Air Crash Investigation broadcasts on National Geographic Channel +1 at 12:00am, Tuesday, 10 February 2026. (Subtitles)




