# WTF?!?! A Plane Crash in Harlem?!?! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 12, 2001, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913 "2001-11-12T14:29:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![SterlingNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@SterlingNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SterlingNorth)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/81 "2001-11-12T16:05:29Z")
The FBI’s saying that there may have been an explosion **inside** the plane. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/82 "2001-11-12T16:06:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CnoteChris \* > \*\*Well, here comes my thought. > > I’ve been wondering this for days now- wouldn’t it be possible for a terrorist or whoever to down a plane on take-off or landing by simply firing an AK-47 or some similar weapon from the ground up to the plane? > > If you hit the engine or the wing, it seems to me you’d have something similar to what happened here. > > Not a fun thought, I know, but something I can’t help but keep wondering lately with all the scenarios floating around. \*\* I have thought about the same thing but I think you would have to be incredibly lucky to down an airliner with an assault rifle. Five people at the end of the runway might be able to do it. Regardless, this is not going to help our Country or airline industry. Don’t let this stop you from flying. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/83 "2001-11-12T16:08:30Z")
Just read on another website that on BBC1 the FBI have confirmed a explosion on board. Any confirmation from people looking at TV? ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/84 "2001-11-12T16:11:18Z")
Just in case anyone was wondering. Co-worker calmed down enough for our boss to ease off the pressure for her to stay put. With the bridges and tunnels closed, I don’t know how she’s gonna get there. Plus the neighborhood is closed off. Poor kid. ---
**Author:** ![JSA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f04885/32.png) [@JSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSA)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/85 "2001-11-12T16:11:59Z")
“Bush administration officials say the FBI believes there was an explosion aboard the plane and they’re investigating its source.” [http://www.timesofindia.com/articleshow.asp?art\_id=2145400007](http://www.timesofindia.com/articleshow.asp?art_id=2145400007) ---
**Author:** ![neuseance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@neuseance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neuseance)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/86 "2001-11-12T16:12:37Z")
I am hearing something about an explosion on board prior to the crash. Whether caused by mechanical malfunction or something more sinister, they don’t seem to know. ---
**Author:** ![Heloise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e36b37/32.png) [@Heloise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heloise)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/87 "2001-11-12T16:12:50Z")
**yojimbo** , yes, FBI have confirmed it, according to the news on the t.v. ---
**Author:** ![JSA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f04885/32.png) [@JSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSA)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/88 "2001-11-12T16:13:52Z")
Witness: Explosion on Right Side of Plane Jackie Power, an eyewitness who lives in Brooklyn, told ABCNEWS she and her husband were walking their dog on what was a clear morning when she reported seeing an explosion and flash on the right side of the plane where the wing meets the fuselage, and the the plane plunged straight down. “There was what looked liked fire or an explosion and debris fell from that side of the plane and it just plummeted and we heard this enormous crash,” she said. “I’ve never seen anything so terrible.” [http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/queenscrash011112.html](http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/queenscrash011112.html) ---
**Author:** ![belladonna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/89 "2001-11-12T16:16:00Z")
Thanks to those who answered my question about overseas coverage. I really wish I had acess to pictures right now. Radio is saying there are at least a dozen homes afire. Two major hotspots–a 3 alarm fire where the engine landed, and a 5-alarm fire where the fuselage hit. Also, as mentioned earlier, one of these struck on or near a Texaco Gas Station. Haven’t heard anything about an explosion on board. Are they suggesting an explosion in the engine/fuselage, or within the passenger areas? ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/90 "2001-11-12T16:17:26Z")
**yojimbo** BBC - The engine came way from the plane. In normal flight that might not have been a problem but this was on take off – time of maximum stress. There was an explosion on the plane according to the FBI but it’s still so early – that was the opinion if one FBI guy on the scene. Me - To be fair, the cause has to be speculation. Times like this one guys opinion can become fact a couple of links down the news chain. But it’s not looking good. ---
**Author:** ![JSA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f04885/32.png) [@JSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSA)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/91 "2001-11-12T16:19:39Z")
[http://wire.ap.org/](http://wire.ap.org/) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush met with advisers Monday seeking details of an American Airlines plane crash in New York. A senior administration official said no threats against airplanes had been received and that the pilot of Flight 587 reported no trouble before the crash. There was no evidence of terrorism, several officials said. The administration source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the FBI believes there was an explosion aboard the plane, and was investigating whether it was an accident or an act of sabotage. The official said the administration was considering suspending the takeoff of flights nationwide but there had been no decision. Bush postponed a scheduled interview with Russian and American reporters so he could monitor the investigation into the crash of Flight 587, which had just taken off from John F. Kennedy International Airport en route to the Dominican Republic. He meets Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening three days of talks in Washington and Texas. Intelligence agencies, the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration were reviewing all recent intelligence for any signs that terrorism was involved but an hour after the crash there was no evidence pointing to an attack, said a U.S. official speaking only on condition of anonymity. ``They are comparing information to see if it provides any insight into what transpired. At this point, there’s no indication of a terrorist attack, but it certainly can’t be ruled out in current environment,’’ the official said. ---
**Author:** ![dragongirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/92 "2001-11-12T16:19:57Z")
American Airlines will be having a news conference at 11:30 EST. ---
**Author:** ![Jane\_D\_oh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/839c29/32.png) [@Jane\_D\_oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jane_D_oh)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/93 "2001-11-12T16:20:05Z")
Dumb question time: How would they know it was an explosion on board vs an engine faliure (where the engine would drop off as previously stated)? Just wondering. ---
**Author:** ![Jane\_D\_oh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/839c29/32.png) [@Jane\_D\_oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jane_D_oh)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/94 "2001-11-12T16:23:51Z")
Dumb question time: How would they know it was an explosion on board vs an engine faliure (where the engine would drop off as previously stated by **galen ubal** )? Just wondering. ---
**Author:** ![belladonna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/95 "2001-11-12T16:25:33Z")
Firefighter just said 30+ bodies already recovered. Residents are providing recovery workers with bed linens to wrap them in since no body bags have arrived yet. How sad is that? I think when I die, I’d rather not end up wrapped in some kids Hello Kitty bedsheets. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/96 "2001-11-12T16:25:44Z")
Coincidences. In the Definition of coincidence you find ‘seems to have some connection’. NYC, Planes and American Airlines…coincidences The entire UN counsil is in session today, and the entire compound is locked down. Apparently so locked down that the French Chancellor was locked out and can not give his discussion on Nukes. I hate to say this, but I too hope this was just a ‘normal’ accident…☹ ---
**Author:** ![sleeplessinseattle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a6a055/32.png) [@sleeplessinseattle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeplessinseattle)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/97 "2001-11-12T16:27:29Z")
American Airlines news conference postponed to noon eastern time. ---
**Author:** ![milo\_minderbinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecb155/32.png) [@milo\_minderbinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milo_minderbinder)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/98 "2001-11-12T16:32:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by belladonna \* > \*\*Just out of curiosity–is this making the news overseas? If so, what’s the spin on it over there? > > Non-US dopers–any info? \*\* BBC 1 (UK) news is covering the story now. They say the FBI have said there _may_ have been an explosion on the plane before the crash, that the area was Rockaway Beach, there was no advance warning, eyewitness reports are that an engine fell from the plane before it crashed. American Airlines are apparently going to make a statement in the next 15 minuites. [Ananova](http://www.ananova.com) appears to be working OK at this point. AA have released a number for concerned relatives. It is (800) 245 0999. Please note they have stated that they **will not speculate on causes on this number** It is only for relatives worried about famly who might have been on the plane. This is terrible. My sympathies go out to anyone involved. milo. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/99 "2001-11-12T16:33:36Z")
It would take a number of eyewitnesses, or somebody who got “lucky” (I hate using that term in this context) with a camcorder. The engines on the A300 are well outboard on the wing, so somebody with the right viewing angle would be able to see if the engine itself came off before an explosion at the wing/fuselage joint. Unfortunately, eyewitnesses are about the worst form of evidence there is. It’ll take some forensics work to figure out exactly what happened. For example, if it was an explosive device in the luggage area, there would be traces of such compounds to be found. IIRC the data recorders monitor such things as engine temperature, rpms, etc - if it were some sort of engine failure, it would show up there. And so on… ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2001, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913/100 "2001-11-12T16:35:33Z")
Live TV pictures show very bad fires at the crash site. Firefighters are working very hard to stop the fire spreading through the timber frames houses of the neighbourhood. Airborne debris is catching fire in the extreme heat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-a-plane-crash-in-harlem/92913.md?page=6)