Boeing 757 crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania

45 fatalities • Shanksville, United States of America • Flight

A Boeing 757 crashed in an open field near Shanksville during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On the morning of September 11, 2001, a Boeing 757 departed from Newark Airport at 08:47 local time, operating a scheduled flight bound for San Francisco. The aircraft was carrying a total of 44 people, consisting of 37 passengers and a crew of seven.

Shortly after takeoff, the flight was taken over by terrorists who altered the intended flight path. The hijacked aircraft was steered toward Washington, D.C. At approximately 10:30 local time, the plane struck an open field situated roughly 4 km north of Shanksville. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were 45 fatalities and no survivors from the crash.

Findings

The crash occurred as part of the coordinated terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Because the incident fell under the investigation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the NTSB provided technical support to the FBI but did not release a separate public safety report or docket regarding the mechanical or operational specifics of the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was hijacked by terrorists who intentionally diverted the flight path toward Washington, D.C.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-09-11 Boeing 757-200 accident near Shanksville, United States of America?

A Boeing 757 crashed in an open field near Shanksville during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-09-11 Boeing 757-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 45 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-09-11 involved a Boeing 757-200, registration N591UA, operated by United Airlines, at Shanksville, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was hijacked by terrorists who intentionally diverted the flight path toward Washington, D.C.

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