The Genuine United 93: Passenger Revolt on 9/11
Heroism in the Face of Terror
United Airlines Flight 93 became a symbol of heroism and resistance on September 11, 2001. The Boeing 757, carrying 40 passengers and crew members, was hijacked by four al-Qaeda terrorists as part of the coordinated attacks that day. Unlike the other hijacked planes, Flight 93 never reached its intended target.
At 9:57 a.m., the passengers of Flight 93 launched a daring revolt against the hijackers, forcing the plane to crash in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This courageous act likely saved countless lives and prevented the terrorists from striking their planned target in Washington, D.C.
The final moments of Flight 93 were captured on the plane's cockpit voice recorder. The transcript reveals the determination and bravery of the passengers as they fought to regain control of the aircraft. Their actions on that fateful day have been memorialized and continue to inspire people around the world.
Historical Context
The events of September 11, 2001 occurred against a complex backdrop of global tensions and rising extremism. Understanding this context provides crucial insight into the motivations behind the attacks and their far-reaching consequences.
The Geopolitical Climate Pre-9/11
The late 20th century saw significant geopolitical shifts. The Cold War ended, leaving the United States as the world's sole superpower. This new dynamic led to increased U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.
The Gulf War of 1990-1991 resulted in a permanent U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia, which angered many in the region. Tensions between Israel and Palestine continued to simmer, with the U.S. seen as a key supporter of Israel.
Economic sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s caused widespread suffering among civilians, fueling anti-American sentiment. These factors contributed to growing resentment towards U.S. foreign policy in parts of the Muslim world.
Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden
Al-Qaeda emerged as a global terrorist network in the 1990s under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. Born into a wealthy Saudi family, bin Laden became radicalized during the Soviet-Afghan War.
He founded Al-Qaeda in 1988, initially to support Muslim fighters in Afghanistan. The group later shifted its focus to attacking U.S. interests globally.
Al-Qaeda carried out several high-profile attacks in the years leading up to 9/11, including the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. These attacks demonstrated the group's growing capabilities and ambition.
Bin Laden's 1996 fatwa, declaring war on the United States, signaled Al-Qaeda's intent to target American civilians. This set the stage for the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001.
Flight United 93: The Timeline of Events
United Airlines Flight 93 took off from Newark on the morning of September 11, 2001. The flight's tragic journey unfolded over less than two hours, culminating in a passenger revolt against hijackers.
Scheduled Departure and Takeoff
Flight 93 departed Newark International Airport at 8:42 AM, 41 minutes late. The Boeing 757 carried 37 passengers and 7 crew members. Captain Jason Dahl and First Officer LeRoy Homer Jr. were at the controls.
The flight's destination was San Francisco. It climbed to its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, following a routine flight path westward across Pennsylvania.
At 9:24 AM, the FAA notified United Airlines of the hijackings and crashes in New York. Captain Dahl acknowledged this message at 9:26 AM.
The Hijack
At 9:28 AM, the hijackers stormed the cockpit. Sounds of a struggle were heard by air traffic controllers. The plane suddenly dropped 700 feet in altitude.
One of the hijackers announced there was a bomb on board. The aircraft changed course, turning southeast toward Washington, D.C.
At 9:32 AM, a hijacker was heard saying, "Ladies and gentlemen: Here the captain, please sit down keep remaining sitting. We have a bomb on board. So, sit."
Passenger Response
Passengers and crew made phone calls using onboard phones and personal cell phones. They learned about the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Several passengers formulated a plan to retake the plane. Notable among them were Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick.
At 9:57 AM, the passenger revolt began. The cockpit voice recorder captured sounds of the passengers attempting to breach the cockpit door.
The Final Struggle
The hijackers realized they were losing control of the situation. They began to rock the plane violently from side to side.
As passengers continued their assault, one hijacker suggested crashing the plane. Another hijacker replied, "Yes, put it in it, and pull it down."
At 10:03 AM, Flight 93 crashed into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The impact left a crater 15 feet deep and 30 feet wide.
All 44 people aboard the flight perished. The hijackers failed to reach their intended target, believed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House.
Passenger Revolt: An In-depth Analysis
The passengers of United Flight 93 mounted a courageous revolt against the hijackers on September 11, 2001. Their actions prevented the plane from reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C.
Communication With The Ground
Several passengers made phone calls to loved ones and authorities during the hijacking. These calls provided crucial information about the other attacks and the hijackers' intentions.
Todd Beamer, a passenger, spoke with a telephone operator and described the situation on board. He famously said, "Let's roll," which became a rallying cry for the passenger revolt.
Other passengers learned about the World Trade Center attacks through their calls. This knowledge likely influenced their decision to take action against the hijackers.
The Leadership and Planning
The passengers quickly organized themselves to counter the threat. Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick emerged as key figures in planning the revolt.
They gathered information about the hijackers' numbers and weapons. The group also discussed potential strategies to overpower the terrorists and regain control of the aircraft.
The leaders coordinated with other passengers, allocating tasks and preparing for the assault on the cockpit. Their quick thinking and decisiveness were crucial in forming an effective plan.
Unity Among Passengers
The diverse group of passengers on Flight 93 united in the face of imminent danger. They came from various backgrounds but shared a common goal: to prevent further loss of life.
Passengers voted on whether to take action, showing a democratic approach even in crisis. This unity strengthened their resolve and increased their chances of success.
The group's solidarity extended to supporting each other emotionally during their final moments. They comforted one another and shared personal messages for their loved ones.
Their collective bravery and teamwork stand as a testament to human resilience in the face of terror.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The events of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 had profound and lasting impacts. From immediate responses to long-term changes in policy and security, the heroic actions of the passengers reverberated through American society.
Immediate Impact
News of Flight 93's crash in Pennsylvania spread quickly on 9/11. Initial confusion gave way to accounts of passenger resistance. Phone calls from those on board revealed the hijacking and passengers' plan to fight back.
The crash site became a focus of intense interest and investigation. FBI teams worked to recover evidence and human remains. Local residents rallied to support first responders and victims' families.
President Bush visited the site on September 14, praising the passengers as heroes who likely saved countless lives in Washington D.C.
Memorials and Tributes
A temporary memorial at the crash site drew visitors within days. Plans for a permanent memorial began in 2002. The Flight 93 National Memorial opened in 2011, featuring a Wall of Names and Tower of Voices.
Other tributes include:
Monuments in victims' hometowns
Scholarships in passengers' names
Books and films about Flight 93
Annual commemoration ceremonies
The passengers' bravery inspired widespread admiration. Their story became a powerful symbol of American courage and resilience in the face of terrorism.
Continuing Effects on Air Travel
Flight 93 contributed to sweeping changes in aviation security:
Reinforced, locked cockpit doors
Armed air marshals on flights
Enhanced passenger and luggage screening
Restrictions on carry-on items
No-fly lists and increased passenger data collection
These measures aim to prevent future hijackings. They have also led to longer wait times and more invasive screening procedures for travelers.
Some changes directly address tactics used on 9/11. For example, passengers are now instructed to actively resist hijackers rather than cooperate.
Influence on Policy and Security
The 9/11 attacks, including Flight 93, reshaped U.S. national security policy:
Creation of Department of Homeland Security
Passage of USA PATRIOT Act
Expansion of surveillance programs
Increased funding for counterterrorism
Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
Flight 93 specifically influenced strategies for dealing with hijacked aircraft. The U.S. military now has protocols to potentially shoot down hijacked planes if necessary.
The passengers' actions also inspired the "Let's Roll" ethos of civilian resistance to terrorism. This concept has been incorporated into some emergency response training programs.
Recordings and Evidence
Flight 93's final moments were captured through cockpit recordings and passenger communications. These crucial pieces of evidence provide insight into the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder
The Flight 93 Cockpit Voice Recorder was recovered on September 14, 2001, from a depth of 25 feet in the crash site crater. The FBI took custody of the device and transported it to Washington D.C. for analysis.
This recording captured the chaos in the cockpit during the hijacking and the passengers' attempts to regain control of the aircraft. Transcripts reveal conversations between the hijackers and desperate pleas from passengers and crew.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examined the recorder at Honeywell facilities to extract vital information about the flight's final moments.
Phone Calls and Messages
Passengers on Flight 93 made numerous phone calls to loved ones and authorities during the hijacking. These calls provided real-time information about the situation on board and the passengers' plan to fight back.
Todd Beamer's famous words "Let's roll" were heard during one such call. Other passengers, like Thomas Burnett and Jeremy Glick, also conveyed their intentions to resist the hijackers.
These communications revealed that the passengers were aware of the other attacks and were determined to prevent their plane from being used as a weapon. The calls and messages serve as a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of those on board Flight 93.
Media and Cultural Interpretations
United Flight 93's story captured public imagination, inspiring numerous artistic and journalistic works. These interpretations shaped collective memory and understanding of the events, highlighting themes of heroism and sacrifice.
Film and Television
The 2006 film "United 93" directed by Paul Greengrass stands out as a notable cinematic portrayal. It aimed for historical accuracy, using real-time chronology and improvised dialogue. The movie received critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of the subject matter.
TV documentaries like "The Flight That Fought Back" (2005) provided in-depth examinations of the events. These productions often featured interviews with family members and experts, offering personal perspectives alongside factual accounts.
Dramatic recreations in shows like "Zero Hour" focused on the passengers' final moments, emphasizing their bravery and quick decision-making.
Literature and Journalism
Books like "Among the Heroes" by Jere Longman delved into passengers' backgrounds and final communications. These works humanized the victims, presenting detailed accounts of their lives and actions.
Newspaper articles and magazine features marked anniversaries, keeping the story in public consciousness. The New York Times' "Portraits of Grief" series included poignant tributes to Flight 93 passengers.
Academic studies analyzed the event's impact on American culture and collective trauma response. These scholarly works examined how Flight 93's narrative evolved into a symbol of resistance and civilian heroism.
Survivor and Family Perspectives
Family members of United Flight 93 passengers have shared poignant reflections on their loved ones' heroic actions. Many express pride in the courage displayed by those aboard who fought back against the hijackers.
Donald A. Peterson and Jean Hoadley Peterson were among the passengers on Flight 93. Their son has spoken about the profound impact of losing both his father and stepmother that day.
Some families have found solace in the memorials created to honor Flight 93, including the Tower of Voices at the crash site in Pennsylvania. This 93-foot tall structure serves as a living memorial, with 40 wind chimes representing the 40 passengers and crew members.
For many, the flight recordings have provided a window into their loved ones' final moments. These recordings reveal the passengers' determination and selflessness as they worked together to prevent further destruction.
While the loss remains painful, numerous family members have channeled their grief into educating others about the events of 9/11. They strive to ensure the memory of Flight 93's heroes endures for future generations.
Flight United 93 in the 21st-Century Narrative
United Flight 93 holds a unique place in the story of 9/11. The passenger revolt against the hijackers has become an enduring symbol of American courage and resilience.
In popular culture, Flight 93 has been the subject of films, books, and memorials. The 2006 movie "United 93" brought the events to the big screen, dramatizing the passengers' heroic actions.
The Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania stands as a solemn tribute. Visitors can walk the path of the crash and pay respects at the Wall of Names honoring the 40 passengers and crew.
The phrase "Let's Roll!" attributed to passenger Todd Beamer, has become a rallying cry. It encapsulates the spirit of ordinary people taking extraordinary action in the face of terror.
Flight 93's legacy continues to inspire discussions on civic duty and individual heroism. It raises questions about how people might react in crisis situations.
The story of Flight 93 is now part of school curricula nationwide. It teaches students about 9/11 history and the power of collective action against injustice.
Social media and online platforms keep the memory of Flight 93 alive. People share personal reflections and tributes each anniversary, ensuring the event remains in public consciousness.
