Smithsonian HD Network

Home to some of America's highest mountains; Mount St. Helens.

Natural wonders, manmade marvels, hidden treasures and places of inspiration.

When a British tycoon and his family die in a 2017 Australian seaplane crash, investigators spend over two years searching for the reason behind the tragedy.

A plane carrying Mexico's interior minister crashes into Mexico City's financial district.

Three devastating crashes make front-page news around the globe; the media frenzy puts intense pressure on investigators to uncover the causes.

History's most terrifying air disasters, and the investigations that followed, are revisited and reexamined.

Three flight crews face impossible odds: a Boeing 707 loses engines over the Alps as fire spreads, Air Astana 1388 goes out of control over Portugal, and a bomb on PA 434 severs control cables and blasts a hole in the fuselage.

History's most terrifying air disasters, and the investigations that followed, are revisited and reexamined.

A look at the fate of United Airlines Flight 232 which crashed into Sioux City's runway in 1989; it caused a subsequent explosion that left 111 people dead.

Colgan Air 9446 nosedives into the waters off Cape Cod just minutes after takeoff following a four-day maintenance stop.

When a 737 careens off the runway in Indonesia, investigators uncover a shocking explanation for the crash.

A look at the fatal consequences that can occur when a fire breaks out on a plane; three flights that erupted in flames and the investigations that changed aviation forever.

On July 11, 1991, the crew of Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 unsuccessfully tries to return to the airport after a burst tire creates an in-flight fire which causes 247 Nigerian pilgrims and 14 crew to perish.

When the crash of a commuter plane in Georgia kills a NASA astronaut, a four-term U.S. senator and 21 others, the disaster grabs headlines around the world.

Confused, flying blind and lost in the dark, three crews lose sight of the horizon and fall into the same deadly trap.

Seeing how international investigative teams must overcome differences to solve controversial plane crashes.

Investigating the 2009 crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407; the plane stalls at low altitude and dives into a residential area near Buffalo, N.Y.

Moments after takeoff, a plane sustains electrical failures and crashes in the Florida Everglades, killing 110 people on board.

Investigators struggle to determine why a 757 strayed off course during its final approach to a Colombia airport and crashed into a mountain.

An aerial tour over Kentucky reveals a state of racetracks, country music highways, bourbon distilleries and a history of feuds and traditions.

Viewing Oklahoma from the sky reveals a state filled with tall-grass prairies and man-made wonders; the Dust Bowl, Tornado Alley and buffalo-filled plains; it also shows a history steeped in tragedy and devastation.

The Empire State of the South; ancient Moundbuilders to the Cherokee Indians.

An aerial tour of Florida's peninsula and panhandle celebrates the state's sights, unique history and lavish lifestyles.

The Lone Star's rugged canyons, historic ranches and modern cities.

An aerial tour of the world's first national park showcases Yellowstone's diverse wildlife and rich history.

A flight over Arizona explores the state's storied past, architectural achievements and landscapes, including America's natural wonder, the Grand Canyon.

An aerial tour over America's Great Plains tracks the prairies, farms, oilfields and wildlife.

Vast cotton fields, Gulf coast beaches; famous Civil Rights marches; NASCAR's most dangerous track; steel factories.

A look at America's landmarks, including a view of bears catching clams in Alaska's rivers; a high-flying tour reveals Alaska's call of the wild spirit that has lured adventurers and dreamers north for centuries.

The world's largest volcanic island; Iceland's landscapes, forged by fire and ice; a tour over Alaska, the residents it attracts and the wildlife that thrives in these unique surroundings.

An aerial tour over America's coastlines explores the visual splendor and rich history of the nation's varied borders.

Beauty of the Empire State; Central Park; tallest skyscrapers; mighty rivers; 17th century explorer Henry Hudson.

Hitler unleashes the full wrath of his military might.

The darkest days of the war are covered; Germany conquers France; British civilians endure the Blitz.

As the war continues into 1941, the conflict goes truly global with the savage battle for Moscow and Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

America joins the war; the conflict rages in South-East Asia, North Africa and Russia; the Nazis instigate The Final Solution.

The death toll rises as the war reaches its conclusion.

The Allies' heroics keep Hitler from advancing; the Red Army arrives in Berlin.

Within five minutes of takeoff, the Dominican Republic bound Birgenair Flight 301 crashes into the Atlantic Ocean; a series of confusing signals crashes the plane.

The consequences are disastrous when ice forms on an airplane's wings; three planes are brought down by ice and it's up to investigators to determine how modern aircraft could possibly end up with frozen wings.

A crew argues with no runway in sight; a captain ignores a critical signal; an exhausted pilot picks a catastrophic time to try a new approach.

Three last-resort water landings, all handled differently yet each one crucial to improving the outcomes of ditching on open water.

Three flights end in tragedy after miscommunication mix-ups and personality clases; Investigators try to unravel what went wrong.

Zoom above, and below, some of the Golden State's greatest monuments.

Soaring above the Cornhusker State's vast farms, towering spires, desolate badlands and gleaming cities.

A sweeping tour over popular destinations in America, including the Badlands, Nantucket, the National Mall and more.

Alpine valleys; Rocky Mountains; Denver's towering skyscrapers.

An aerial journey over Ohio showcases the Buckeye State's autumnal vistas, majestic rivers, epic skyscrapers and battlegrounds.

An amazing aerial tour over Utah reveals a state full of otherworldly landscapes and landmarks, including a history steeped in Mormonism, pioneering tragedy, and Olympic glory.

An aerial exploration of Wyoming reveals the Cowboy State's controversial history while highlighting its breathtaking canyons and volcanic formations.

An aerial tour of Kansas shows a state with varied landscapes, scenic areas and historical conflict sites.

Taking flight for a bird's eye tour of America's rivers, lakes and canals.

Great mountain ranges; coal-based economy.

One of the most beautiful states on the Atlantic Coast.

A soaring tour over Washington, D.C. explores the unique landscape, rich history and colorful story of the Nation's Capital.

Investigators face a mystery when Varig Flight 254 disappears without a trace over the jungles of Brazil.

Airplane crashes involving high-profile passengers put added pressure on investigators.

Experts investigate the Saudia Flight 163 tragedy, which killed 287 passengers and 14 crew members following an in-flight fire.

A Boeing 737 leaving Panama City crashes into one of the most remote and treacherous jungles on the planet.

Experts investigate the Saudia Flight 163 tragedy, which killed 287 passengers and 14 crew members following an in-flight fire.

A bomb explodes on Pan Am Flight 103, causing the aircraft to disintegrate in mid-air and the wreckage of the aircraft to crash into the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing all 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground.

Experts investigate the Saudia Flight 163 tragedy, which killed 287 passengers and 14 crew members following an in-flight fire.