– Flight attendants on AA 11 alert ground personnel that the plane has been hijacked. Hijackers have sprayed mace and stabbed two people.
– President Bush returns to the White House.
– News cameras capture a gaping hole in the North Tower. Most initially believe it is a tragic accident. 9 11 timeline
– For the first time in history, the FAA grounds all civilian aircraft over the continental U.S. All incoming international flights are diverted to Canada.
– President Bush addresses the nation from the school, calling the events an “apparent terrorist attack.” – Flight attendants on AA 11 alert ground
– Hijacker Mohammed Atta (on AA 11) mistakenly transmits a message to air traffic control: “We have some planes. Just stay quiet, and you’ll be OK. We are returning to the airport.”
Below is a clear timeline of the key events (all times are Eastern Daylight Time). 7:59 AM – American Airlines Flight 11 (Boston to Los Angeles) takes off with 92 people aboard. Five hijackers are on board. – News cameras capture a gaping hole in the North Tower
– President George W. Bush, visiting an elementary school in Florida, is informed of the second crash. He remains seated for several minutes, reading “The Pet Goat” with students.
We remember those lost, those who survived, and those who rushed to help.
– The White House and U.S. Capitol are evacuated. The Collapses & The Passengers Who Fought Back 9:59 AM – The South Tower collapses just 56 minutes after being hit. Over 800 civilians and first responders are killed instantly.