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Boeing 757-223, N644AA

Fatal Terrorist Attack (64 onboard; 125 on the ground) – Boeing 757-223, N644AA, Flight 77, Washington, DC, September 11, 2001

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OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B752_N644AA.pdf

AviationSafetyX Summation:
American Airlines Flight 77 was a scheduled transcontinental flight from Dulles International Airport in Virginia to Los Angeles International Airport in California. On the morning of September 11, 2001, this routine flight was hijacked by five members of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. The hijackers commandeered the aircraft and crashed it into the Pentagon, resulting in the deaths of all 64 individuals aboard the plane and 125 personnel within the building. This devastating event was part of a coordinated attack targeting key landmarks in the United States.

The Boeing 757-223 involved in the incident had a seating capacity of 188 passengers but carried only 58 passengers and six crew members that day. The flight departed Dulles International Airport at 8:20 AM ET. The hijackers initiated their assault 30 minutes into the flight, storming the cockpit and taking control of the aircraft. Led by Hani Hanjour, who had received pilot training in the United States, the attackers redirected the plane toward Washington, D.C.

Witness accounts and radar data indicate that the hijackers disabled the aircraft’s transponder, making it difficult for air traffic controllers to track the flight. The flight deviated from its assigned course, heading south before making a sharp eastward turn toward its intended target. The deliberate trajectory highlighted the hijackers’ familiarity with navigation systems and their premeditated plan.

At 9:37 AM, the aircraft crashed into the Pentagon’s west side at an estimated speed of 530 miles per hour. The impact caused immediate and extensive structural damage, with the nose of the aircraft penetrating three of the building’s concentric rings. The resulting explosion and fireball caused temperatures to exceed 2,000°F, leading to a partial collapse of the Pentagon’s western facade approximately 30 minutes later.

The Pentagon, a symbol of U.S. military strength, was undergoing renovations at the time of the attack. This fortunate timing meant the impacted area had fewer occupants than usual, potentially reducing the number of casualties. Despite this, the attack caused the deaths of 125 military and civilian personnel and injured over 100 others. Among the victims were individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the tragedy.

First responders faced significant challenges in combating the fires and conducting rescue operations. The reinforced structure of the Pentagon, designed to withstand external attacks, paradoxically impeded firefighting efforts. Smoke and high temperatures persisted for days, with some areas deemed too dangerous for immediate entry. Firefighters established firebreaks to contain the spread of flames, and the building’s ventilation system was manipulated to reduce smoke infiltration.

The recovery operation included the identification of victims’ remains, a task complicated by the intense heat and structural damage. Forensic teams meticulously examined the debris, ultimately identifying the remains of 179 out of the 189 individuals who perished in the attack. Personal effects and pieces of the aircraft were also recovered, providing critical evidence for the subsequent investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) played a key role in analyzing the flight data recorder, which had miraculously survived the crash. Although the cockpit voice recorder was too damaged to yield usable audio, the flight data recorder provided valuable insights into the aircraft’s final moments. This data confirmed the calculated maneuvers executed by the hijackers, further demonstrating their operational training.

The Pentagon Memorial, established in 2008, commemorates the lives lost in the attack. Each of the 184 victims is honored with an individual bench, arranged according to their year of birth. The memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the human toll of terrorism and a tribute to the resilience of the nation.

In the years following the attacks, American aviation underwent a paradigm shift in security protocols. The establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the implementation of stricter screening measures aimed to prevent similar tragedies. Enhanced cockpit security and increased awareness of hijacking threats became integral to aviation safety.

The coordinated nature of the September 11 attacks, including the hijacking of Flight 77, underscored vulnerabilities in global counterterrorism efforts. The events prompted a reevaluation of intelligence-sharing practices among national and international agencies. Investigations revealed missed opportunities to intercept the hijackers, sparking debates on systemic failures and the need for reforms.

The psychological and emotional impact of the attacks extended beyond those directly affected. Survivors, families of victims, and first responders have since faced long-term mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The broader American public also experienced a collective trauma that reshaped national identity and policy.

Flight 77’s tragic journey was a stark reminder of the destructive power of ideologically driven violence. The deliberate targeting of civilian and military landmarks revealed the extent of the attackers’ strategic intent. This event catalyzed discussions on balancing civil liberties with the imperative of national security.

The role of technology in the planning and execution of the attacks has been a subject of scrutiny. The hijackers exploited commercial aviation systems to inflict mass casualties, leading to advancements in surveillance and counterterrorism technologies. These developments have since been critical in mitigating threats to global aviation.

Despite the passage of time, the events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in collective memory. They have inspired a commitment to vigilance, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. The story of Flight 77 serves as a testament to the profound consequences of terrorism and the enduring spirit of those affected.

The reconstruction of the Pentagon, completed within a year of the attack, symbolized the nation’s determination to rebuild and recover. This rapid restoration reflected a unified response to adversity and a commitment to preserving the institution’s legacy.

American Airlines Flight 77’s journey on September 11 stands as a somber chapter in aviation history. Its tragic end serves as a call to action for continuous improvements in safety, security, and international cooperation to prevent future tragedies.

NTSB Accident Report Summary:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B752_N644AA.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:
American Airlines

Video(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SL2PzzOiF8

Accident Location:
The Pentagon, Washington, DC
38°52’15.45″N 77° 3’29.66″W (https://g.co/kgs/U2yZwuZ)

ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/323226

FAA/International Registration:
N644AA (https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=644AA)

Year of Manufacture:
1991


SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
24602/365

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17xkxUygHh/

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://www.facebook.com/share/p/17xkxUygHh/
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/7360014
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/5648815

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The information provided is based on external sources and is subject to updates or changes as new details emerge.

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