Real investigations. Real cases. Real insights.
Mayday Files
Behind the scenes of the aircraft accident investigation
Who we are
What makes "Mayday Files" special?
- Moderation by experts: With Thomas Friesacher, PhD, a doctor of aircraft accident investigation & ex-airline captain, and Maximilian Kunz, author & true-crime narrator
- In-depth research & forensic analysis: Based on real investigation reports (including ICAO Annex 13)
- True-crime narrative style with sound design & dramaturgy: Through voice-over by Alexandra K. and modern audio design
est. 2025
With ambition
Investigation experience
Podcast
"Mayday Files" Our mission:
is the German-language podcast that does not speculatively recount aircraft accidents – but professionally analyzes them.
Hosted by a real aircraft accident investigator and an investigative author, each episode delves deep into the complex relationships between technology, people, and system failures.
Understand what happened – and why it must never happen again.
- Real investigations
- Real cases
- Real insights
- Real expert
- Real investigators as guests
- Real facts
Episode Overview
The podcast that crashes – into the truth.
“Mayday Files” takes you where other podcasts end – to the origin of the disaster.
In each episode, we reconstruct the causes of serious aircraft accidents and near misses, analyze the interplay of people, technology, and system failures – and show how safety arises from them.
Hosted by:
- Thomas Friesacher, PhD: Doctor of Aircraft Accident Investigation, Longtime Airline Captain, and Internationally Sought-After Expert for Aviation Safety
- Maximilian Kunz : Communications Professional, Author & Storyteller
- Alexandra K.: the voice of the facts
With journalistic standards, forensic depth, and genuine respect for those affected, “Mayday Files” illuminates the hidden world behind every headline.
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Briefing
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Research
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Validation
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Production
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Review
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Release
Our Approach
Become a member
Membership: Aviation Investigator
Become an aviation investigator at Mayday Files and support “Next Level Safety Communication.” You will receive exclusive insights behind the scenes of real investigations – well-founded, independent, understandable.
Become part of the community and get access to:
- Ad-free episodes
- Early access to new episodes (48 h)
- Bonus content & "Case Notes"
- Extended show notes & sources
- Quarterly Q&A/Livestream
- 10% Merch discount
Memberships 15 € / month ( BECOME A PATRON)
Reviews
What listeners are saying about Mayday Files
Why Mayday Files is convincing: Methodically sound, respectful in tonality, and strong in implementation.
Next Level Safety Communication – comprehensible for professionals and understandable for the public.
