Extended interview: F-16 pilots recall mission to intercept Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001

CBS Evening News・2 minutes read

Nora O'Donnell commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, honoring the lives lost and heroes who responded, including fighter pilots SAS and Lucky who scrambled to protect the nation's capital amidst the chaos and confusion of the day. Despite flying unarmed F-16s with training rounds, not missiles, they were prepared to intercept and ram a commercial airliner if necessary, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of those who acted on their own initiative to defend against potential threats, emphasizing the importance of honoring their legacy through acts of kindness and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Insights

  • Fighter pilots Mark Sasville and Heather Peny, known as SAS and Lucky, took off from Washington DC after the World Trade Center attacks to protect the nation's capital, displaying quick thinking, bravery, and adaptability in the face of a confirmed hijacking and potential threats, showcasing the importance of individual initiative and readiness in times of crisis.
  • The Air Force's post-9/11 commitment to 24/7 air defense with armed F-16s ready to respond highlights the lasting impact of the 9/11 attacks on national security protocols, emphasizing the ongoing vigilance and preparedness to defend against potential threats, demonstrating the long-term effects of historical events on military strategies and operations.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What was the response of fighter pilots during 9/11?

    They quickly scrambled to protect against further attacks.

  • How did the Air Force maintain defense post-9/11?

    They upheld a 24/7 air defense commitment.

  • What was the plan to disable a hijacked airplane?

    Target its flight controls or propulsion system.

  • How did the fighter pilots identify potential threats?

    With the help of air traffic control.

  • What was the Vice President's order during 9/11?

    To shoot down a commercial airline if necessary.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

22nd Anniversary: Pilots Defend Nation on 9/11

  • Nora O'Donnell marks 22 years since the deadliest terror attack on American soil, honoring the lives lost, families affected, and heroes who responded.
  • Two fighter pilots, Mark Sasville (call sign SAS) and Heather Peny (call sign Lucky), took off from Washington DC after the World Trade Center was hit to protect the nation's capital.
  • Air traffic control audio from the Eastern Seaboard on the morning of the attacks highlights the confusion and urgency of the situation.
  • The pilots were alerted to a confirmed hijacking and scrambled to get in the air to prevent further attacks.
  • Heather recalls being in a meeting when news of the attacks broke, initially assuming it was a small plane accident until the second tower was hit deliberately.
  • The pilots quickly realized the severity of the situation and the need to protect against further attacks, leading to a rapid response to get in the air.
  • Without official tasking, the pilots understood the urgency and took off to intercept potential threats, including Flight 93.
  • The pilots, despite flying unarmed F-16s, were prepared to defend against rogue aircraft not communicating with air traffic control.
  • The pilots had to quickly adapt and scramble their jets without the usual pre-flight checks due to the urgency of the situation.
  • Post-9/11, the Air Force has maintained a 24/7 air defense commitment, with armed F-16s ready to respond to any potential threats.

16:47

"Protecting the Capital: Kamikaze Mission"

  • They were equipped with training rounds, not missiles or combat loads of bullets, as they rushed to the airplane.
  • The plan was to disable the airplane by targeting its flight controls or propulsion system to prevent it from hitting its target.
  • The mission was a kamikaze one, with the only option being to ram the airliner.
  • They were prepared to hit the cockpit and tail of the airplane to prevent the attack.
  • The Vice President had given the order to shoot down a commercial airline if necessary.
  • They were not directed by the chain of command but acted on their own initiative to protect the nation's capital.
  • The decision to ram the plane was made due to the lack of other options and the urgency of the situation.
  • Flying over the Pentagon on fire was a surreal and emotional experience for them.
  • They were up in the air for about an hour and a half to two hours on the first sortie, looking for Flight 93 or any other potential threats.
  • Air traffic control helped them identify and differentiate between friendly and unknown aircraft using a specific language system.

34:50

Honoring 9/11 Heroes: Resilience and Gratitude

  • The speaker expresses gratitude towards the heroes of 9/11, emphasizing their sacrifice and bravery, highlighting the importance of honoring their legacy through daily choices and acts of kindness towards others. The speaker reflects on the resilience of Americans in the face of tragedy, aiming to live normally while embodying the best of humanity, believing that despite traumatic events, the nation will prevail and uphold its values.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.