Backstory ReportAll cases
Each case is a film and a full written story, with the pictures, the quick facts and every source by page. Newest first.
A 767 Runs Out of Fuel Mid-Flight
The gauges were blank, so the fuel was measured by hand. One factor turned litres into the wrong unit.
Both Engines Fail Over New York
Geese took both engines at 2,818 feet. Three and a half minutes later the crew put the airliner on the river.
Why the Mississippi Wants a New Path to the Sea
The Atchafalaya offers the Mississippi a route to the Gulf less than half as long. Gates have held it back since 1962.
An A380 Engine Explodes After Takeoff
A turbine disc burst over Batam Island. Five pilots flew the damaged A380 back to Singapore.
Why a Quarter of the Netherlands Is Below Sea Level
About a quarter of the country lies below sea level, and much of it sank because people drained it.
Why You Couldn't Take One Train Across Australia
The colonies laid three widths of track. Until 1962 no passenger train ran through from Sydney to Melbourne.
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New films go up on the Backstory Report channel. Every case is written up here in full, with its pictures and sources.