Fatal Terrorist Attack (44) – Boeing 757-222, Flight 93, N591UA, Shanksville, PA, September 11, 2001
OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B752_N591UA.pdf
AviationSafetyX Summation:
United Airlines Flight 93, operated by a Boeing 757-222, became one of the defining symbols of courage during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Departing Newark International Airport at 8:42 AM ET, the flight was bound for San Francisco International Airport. It was hijacked by four al-Qaeda operatives who intended to use the aircraft as a weapon to strike a high-profile target in Washington, D.C. Despite the hijackers’ plans, the heroic actions of passengers and crew prevented the terrorists from reaching their intended target.
Forty-six minutes into the flight, the hijackers initiated their plan by attacking a passenger and storming the cockpit. Ziad Jarrah, who had trained as a pilot, assumed control of the aircraft, altering its course toward Washington, D.C. This hijacking, part of a larger coordinated attack, involved three other flights that ultimately reached their targets, except for Flight 93, which deviated from the intended trajectory due to the passengers’ intervention.
The plane’s delayed departure played a critical role in the outcome. Unlike the other hijacked flights, which struck their targets early in the morning, Flight 93’s hijackers took control after passengers had become aware of the unfolding events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This delay allowed passengers to organize a response once the hijackers’ intentions became clear.
The cockpit voice recorder captured the harrowing final moments of the flight. Passengers, having voted to act, launched a coordinated effort to overpower the hijackers. Using available resources such as a food cart, they stormed the cockpit, creating chaos that forced the hijackers to maneuver the plane violently in an attempt to maintain control. The recorder documented the hijackers’ desperation as passengers continued their assault.
As the passengers neared the cockpit, the hijackers made the decision to crash the plane. At 10:03 AM, Flight 93 plummeted into a reclaimed coal strip mine in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 minutes’ flying time from Washington, D.C. The impact destroyed the aircraft instantly, leaving no survivors among the 44 people aboard, including the four hijackers.
The crash site presented a grim scene, with debris scattered over a wide area and an impact crater measuring eight to ten feet deep. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the plane struck the ground at a speed of approximately 563 miles per hour at a 40-degree angle. The high-energy impact caused extensive fragmentation of the aircraft and the passengers’ remains.
The actions of the passengers and crew have been universally recognized as an extraordinary act of courage and selflessness. The 9/11 Commission concluded that their intervention not only thwarted the hijackers’ plans but likely saved countless lives by preventing the aircraft from reaching its target. The intended target, believed to be either the U.S. Capitol or the White House, remains a point of speculation.
In the aftermath, a temporary memorial was erected near the crash site, drawing visitors who left tributes to honor the victims. This site evolved into the Flight 93 National Memorial, which was dedicated on September 10, 2011, a decade after the attacks. The memorial includes a Wall of Names and a visitor center, both aligned with the flight’s path, as a lasting tribute to the bravery displayed on that day.
The investigative efforts revealed the intricate planning and execution of the hijacking. Ziad Jarrah, along with three “muscle” hijackers, boarded the flight with minimal luggage, arousing no suspicion. Their plan was to exploit security loopholes, using utility knives to seize control of the aircraft. The investigation also uncovered details of Jarrah’s training and connections to the larger al-Qaeda network.
The recovery efforts at the crash site were meticulous. Forensic teams identified remains through DNA analysis, providing closure to families of the victims. However, the remains of the hijackers were retained as evidence by the FBI. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, buried deep within the debris, were recovered and analyzed, offering critical insights into the sequence of events.
Flight 93’s legacy is enshrined not only in the memorials but also in the cultural memory of September 11. The phrase “Let’s roll,” attributed to passenger Todd Beamer, became a rallying cry for unity and resilience. This phrase encapsulated the spirit of defiance and bravery that defined the passengers’ actions in their final moments.
United Airlines retired Flight 93’s flight number after the attacks, underscoring the gravity of the event. The story of Flight 93 has been depicted in numerous documentaries and films, further cementing its place in history as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
The coordinated response to the tragedy prompted significant changes in aviation security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established, and cockpit doors were reinforced to prevent unauthorized access. These measures reflect the lessons learned from the events of September 11, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Flight 93’s story serves as a testament to the strength of human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The passengers’ and crew’s actions transformed a moment of terror into a legacy of heroism, reminding the world of the power of collective resistance against those who seek to cause harm.
In the broader context, Flight 93 underscores the importance of vigilance, communication, and preparedness in aviation safety. The tragedy highlights the need for continued advancements in security protocols and international cooperation to address evolving threats.
The sacrifices made by those aboard Flight 93 will forever resonate as a symbol of resilience and determination. Their actions not only prevented further destruction but also inspired a renewed commitment to the values of freedom and unity.
NTSB Accident Report Summary: https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B752_N591UA.pdf
FBI 9-11 Review Commission Report (Unclassified): https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/final-9-11-review-commission-report-unclassified.pdf/view
PDF: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/final-9-11-review-commission-report-unclassified.pdf
9/11 Commission Final Report: https://9-11commission.gov/report/
PDF: https://dpcld.defense.gov/Portals/49/Documents/Civil/911Report.pdf
The Aviatioist Report:
https://theaviationist.com/category/military-history/9-11/
The WarZone:
What 9/11 Was Like For The Only American That Watched It From Space
https://www.twz.com/42330/what-9-11-was-like-for-the-only-american-that-watched-it-from-space
Aircraft Operator:
United Airlines
Video(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKmXyRxbDPs
Accident Location:
Shanksville, PA
40° 3’17.47″N 78°54’4.70″W (https://g.co/kgs/kHWaw4L)
ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/323227
FAA/International Registration:
N591UA (https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=591UA)
Year of Manufacture:
1996
SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
28142/718
Facebook:
Flight 93 National Memorial
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12DkHhckqQo/
X/Twitter (reports+videos):
n/a
ADS-B Exchange:
n/a
FlightAware:
n/a
flightradar24:
n/a
AirNav.radar:
n/a
National Report(s):
archived
Local Report(s):
archived
Image Reference(s):
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/N591UA.jpg
https://imgproc.airliners.net/photos/airliners/6/5/1/0188156.jpg?v=v40
https://www.washingtonpost.com/photography/interactive/2021/profound-memorial-shanksville/
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The information provided is based on external sources and is subject to updates or changes as new details emerge.