Ep 2. The Pentagon Attack

On Air Disasters' season 16 episode 2 titled "The Pentagon Attack," viewers are taken through the tragic events surrounding the terrorist attack that occurred on September 11, 2001. The episode focuses on the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 77, which ultimately crashed into the Pentagon, claiming the lives of all 64 people on board the plane as well as 125 people inside the building.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the morning of September 11, 2001, as the day began like any other day in Washington DC. American Airlines Flight 77 took off from Dulles International Airport in Virginia en route to Los Angeles, with 53 passengers and six crew members on board. Among those on board were both business and leisure travelers, including a group of schoolchildren and their teachers who were heading for a camping trip in California.

Shortly after takeoff, the plane was hijacked by five terrorists who had managed to smuggle box cutters and knives on board. They took control of the cockpit and eventually redirected the plane towards Washington DC. The hijackers had planned to crash the plane into the US Capitol, but they ultimately changed their plans and flew the plane into the Pentagon, which is located just outside of DC.

The episode examines the various factors that led to the tragedy, including the flaws in airport security at the time and the lack of communication between government agencies. The show also explores the frustrating and heartbreaking experience of the families and loved ones of the victims, many of whom felt helpless as they tried to get information about their loved ones in the hours and days that followed the attack.

Through interviews with family members, aviation experts, and investigators, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding the attack on the Pentagon. The show also provides detailed reconstructions of the plane's flight path and the sequence of events in the moments leading up to the crash.

Overall, "The Pentagon Attack" serves not only as a tribute to the victims and their families but also as a cautionary tale about the importance of adequate security measures in air travel and the need for swift and effective communication between government agencies in times of crisis.