We are all very aware of the tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is something I will not forget and it is etched in my mind for what I feel will last an eternity. The vivid images of seeing the second plane (United 175) hit the south tower, plus the subsequent replays on television, is something that was jaw dropping and surreal.
Over the past few days the 9-11 Commission has been releasing details on their findings. Some of them are just too much to handle. Mainly, what I found to be the hardest to take, are the audio excerpts that they have been releasing. Reading the break down of the report just brought back the feelings that I had on that day. Those were feelings that I had hoped to never feel again. The article is lengthy, but it is worth the read if you are interested in this topic like I am. I hope that when the full report is made available that I can get a copy and read it.
Not to bring up the past but I thought I’d provide a little bit about each flight from what I read.
American Airlines Flight 11: A hijacker (Mohamed Atta) onboard American Flight 11 had said “we have some planes” over the flight’s radio system. This flight hit the North Tower of the World Trade Complex at 8:46:40 am.
United Airlines Flight 175: This flight hit the South Tower at 9:03 am. Once the ATC realized what was going on, it was too late.
American Airlines Fight 77: Air traffic controllers thought it crashed and stopped looking for it. Then it reappeared in the western portion of Washington’s airspace. The flight traveled undetected for 36 minutes heading due east towards Washington, D.C. Then it struck the Pentagon at 9:38 am.
United Airlines Flight 93: This flight crashed in Pennsylvania at 10:03:11 am. Despite discussions about military assistance, no one from FAA headquarters requested military assistance regarding United 93. Nor did any manager at FAA headquarters pass any of the information it had about United 93 to the military.
Lastly, as you all know, at 9:42 am all aircraft are grounded. This is an unprecedented move by the FAA. About 4,500 commercial and general aviation aircraft soon landed without incident.
And since 9-11 nothing has been the same. The Department of Homeland Security was formed, TSA was put into effect, and the minds of the flying public will never be the same…