What planes went into the twin towers? This question remains one of the most haunting and critical aspects of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The event, often referred to as 9/11, was a pivotal moment in history, marking the first time that aircraft were used as weapons of mass destruction against civilian targets. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the planes involved and the devastating impact they had on the iconic World Trade Center complex in New York City.
The first plane to hit the World Trade Center was American Airlines Flight 11. This Boeing 767 aircraft, which was hijacked by members of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time. The impact of the plane caused a significant fire and structural damage, leading to the eventual collapse of the tower at 10:28 a.m.
The second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, also a Boeing 767, was the next to strike the World Trade Center. Hijacked by another group of al-Qaeda members, Flight 175 hit the south tower at 9:03 a.m. The force of the collision was so powerful that it caused the tower to buckle and burn intensely. The south tower fell at 9:59 a.m., just 56 minutes after the first plane hit.
Both flights were loaded with fuel, which played a crucial role in the subsequent collapse of the towers. The intense heat and pressure from the fires, combined with the structural damage, led to the failure of the steel support columns that held up the buildings. This resulted in the towers’ collapse, killing thousands of people and causing widespread destruction.
The third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was hijacked and deliberately flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. This Boeing 757 aircraft hit the military headquarters at 9:37 a.m., causing significant damage and resulting in the deaths of 184 people.
The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was also hijacked by al-Qaeda members. However, passengers and crew on board managed to overpower the hijackers and steer the aircraft away from its intended target, believed to be either the United States Capitol or the White House. The plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:06 a.m., resulting in no casualties on the ground.
The attacks of September 11, 2001, were a stark reminder of the power of terrorism and the importance of national security. The events led to the U.S. government implementing a wide range of security measures, both domestically and internationally, to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future. The memories of the planes that went into the twin towers continue to resonate, serving as a somber reminder of the loss of life and the profound impact of that tragic day.
