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Boeing 767-222, N591UA, Flight 175

Fatal Terrorist Attack (65 onboard; 600 on the ground/south WTC tower) – Boeing 767-222, N591UA, Flight 175
New York City’s World Trade Center, South Tower, September 11, 2001

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OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY REPORT: Report Not Available Yet
OFFICIAL FINAL REPORT: https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B762_N612UA.pdf

AviationSafetyX Summation:
United Airlines Flight 175 was a scheduled passenger flight from Logan International Airport in Boston to Los Angeles International Airport. On September 11, 2001, the flight, operated by a Boeing 767-222 (registration N612UA), became the second aircraft hijacked as part of a coordinated terrorist attack. The plane, carrying 56 passengers, 9 crew members, and 5 hijackers, was deliberately crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of everyone aboard and hundreds in the tower, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.

The aircraft departed Logan Airport at 8:14 AM ET and reached cruising altitude by 8:33 AM. Shortly after, the hijackers launched their assault, taking control of the cockpit by killing the captain and first officer. Marwan al-Shehhi, one of the hijackers trained as a pilot, commandeered the aircraft. Unlike the team aboard American Airlines Flight 11, these hijackers did not disable the plane’s transponder, which allowed air traffic controllers to track its erratic movements toward New York City.

During the hijacking, the attackers used mace and knives to subdue passengers and crew, forcing them to the rear of the aircraft. Flight attendants and passengers used onboard airphones to make calls, providing critical information to authorities about the hijackers and the evolving situation. The hijackers also made bomb threats to maintain control and terrorize those aboard.

At approximately 8:51 AM, air traffic controllers noticed the plane deviating from its assigned flight path. The controllers attempted to contact the cockpit multiple times, but no responses were received. By this time, the aircraft was descending rapidly and had nearly collided with other commercial flights. These near misses highlight the chaotic and dangerous maneuvers made during the hijacking.

The final moments of the flight were marked by precision and deliberate action by the hijackers. At 9:03 AM, the aircraft, traveling at an estimated speed of 587 mph, struck the South Tower between floors 77 and 85. The impact caused catastrophic damage to the building’s structural core and ignited fires fueled by thousands of gallons of jet fuel, creating conditions that ultimately led to the tower’s collapse 56 minutes later.

Flight 175’s collision was captured live on television, becoming one of the most widely seen events in modern history. The stark images of the aircraft crashing into the South Tower solidified the realization that the attacks were premeditated acts of terrorism. These visuals, replayed across global media, were instrumental in shaping public awareness of the scale and intent of the attacks.

The aftermath at the World Trade Center was devastating. The impact zone in the South Tower was particularly vulnerable due to its location near the corner of the building, as opposed to the central strike suffered by the North Tower. This asymmetry, combined with the intensity of the fires, contributed to the building’s earlier collapse despite being struck second.

Among the passengers were individuals from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, families, and children. One notable victim was Christine Hanson, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, the youngest to die in the September 11 attacks. The loss of lives aboard Flight 175 and within the South Tower represents a profound human tragedy.

Investigators uncovered the meticulous planning behind the hijackings. The attackers, part of an al-Qaeda cell, trained extensively in aviation, weaponry, and security evasion. Their preparations included pilot training in the United States and reconnaissance of airport procedures, underscoring the calculated nature of their actions.

The crash resulted in structural damage not only to the South Tower but also to nearby buildings, including 45-47 Park Place and 5 World Trade Center. Debris from the aircraft, such as engines and landing gear, was found scattered over several blocks, illustrating the force of the impact.

Recovery efforts at the crash site included the identification of human remains, a painstaking process complicated by the extreme destruction and fires. Small fragments belonging to some passengers and crew were eventually recovered, though many victims’ remains were never conclusively identified.

The legacy of Flight 175 is one of profound loss and heroism. The calls made by passengers provided invaluable information that informed the national response to the attacks. Their courage and the subsequent public mourning emphasized the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

The crash of Flight 175, along with the other September 11 attacks, prompted sweeping changes in aviation security. The introduction of reinforced cockpit doors, enhanced passenger screening, and the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were direct outcomes of these events.

Memorialization efforts include the inscription of the victims’ names at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. The South Tower’s memorial pool stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the significance of the site.

United Airlines retired Flight 175’s number in the wake of the attacks. However, controversy arose when the number was briefly reinstated as a codeshare, prompting public outrage and a swift reversal by the airline. This incident underscored the sensitivity surrounding the memory of September 11.

The crash also contributed to ongoing discussions about national security, terrorism, and global geopolitics. The attacks highlighted vulnerabilities in intelligence sharing and preparedness, prompting reforms aimed at preventing future tragedies.

The story of United Airlines Flight 175 is a testament to the enduring impact of September 11. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of aviation safety and the critical need for vigilance against emerging threats in an interconnected world.

In conclusion, the events of Flight 175 reflect both the darkest and most resilient aspects of humanity. While the attack caused unimaginable loss, the responses of those aboard and the subsequent actions of a grieving nation demonstrate courage, unity, and a commitment to ensuring such a tragedy is never repeated.

NTSB Accident Report Summary: https://asn.flightsafety.org/reports/2001/20010911_B762_N612UA.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://youtu.be/2V7RpTFMWSg

Accident Location:
New York City’s World Trade Center, South Tower
40°42’36.27″N 74° 0’43.27″W (https://g.co/kgs/ZDW7WrE)

ASN:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/323228

FAA/International Registration:
N612UA (https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=612UA)

Year of Manufacture:
1983


SN/Military Registration/BUNO:
21873/41

Facebook:
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
https://www.facebook.com/911memorial/

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.fema.gov/media-library/search/12390
https://www.flickr.com/people/130809712@N08
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6601178
https://www.instagram.com/twintowers__nyc/p/DArYKCjPB5T/


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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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