The Narrow Escape: United 175 and the South Tower

The 9/11 attacks are regarded as one of the most significant and catastrophic events in recent history. The precise angle and timing at which United Airlines Flight 175 hit the south tower are often debated, with some details still unclear. Here, we explore the intricacies of that moment and what we can deduce from eyewitness accounts and available footage.

Understanding the Bank Angle

There is no clear answer to how close United 175 came to missing the south tower. However, examining the available video footage provides several insights. The plane is seen banking significantly to the left, an action that could indicate the terrorists' concern about hitting the tower off-target. Civil aircraft, unlike smaller private jets, are not particularly responsive to sudden input from the pilot. At 540 miles per hour, even a few seconds of delay can result in a substantial deviation in trajectory.

Positive Outcome of the Bank Angle

The bank angle of the plane was a crucial factor in the outcome of the attack. Instead of hitting at a direct angle, the plane skewed to the side, which reduced the number of supporting columns it impacted. Had it hit at zero degrees, the plane would have clipped more exterior columns and potentially severed double corner columns at the southeast corner of the tower. This would have created substantial weakening in the building's structural integrity, with a high possibility of destroying a critical third stairwell, which was the primary escape route in the south tower.

Impact and Angle Analysis

According to eyewitness descriptions, the plane hit at a slight angle on the far right side of the east side of the south tower. This information was based on the footage available, which showed the plane hitting its target with precision. The exact timing of the impact, relative to the arrival of the first plane, is critical.

Flight 11 struck the North Tower at 8:46 AM, while 175 reached the south tower at approximately 9:03 AM. Given this timeline, United 175's impact was roughly 30 minutes after the initial attack. The fact that 175 struck at a much lower elevation than 11 suggests that the plane was preparing to make a vertical descent into the tower.

Consequences of a Missed Target

Hypothetically, if the plane had missed its target, the consequences would have been dire. The densely populated area of Manhattan, with its skyscrapers, would have faced a significant risk of death and destruction. The angle at which the plane hit its target played a critical role in mitigating potential damage and saving lives by allowing the plane to impact fewer critical points.

Conclusion

The exact angle and timing at which United 175 hit the south tower are matters of speculation and educated guesswork. What is certain is the significant impact of the plane's bank angle on the outcome of the attack. The skilled action of the pilot, despite the terrorist threats, contributed to the building's stabilization and the safety of the occupants. The events of that day continue to be studied for signs of heroic and foolhardy actions in the face of unprecedented events.