FOX just showed a view/image of the lineup of goons with the hostage approaching them from their left which is a strategic position also at the end of said lineup. My first thought was if the pilot bolted and crashed into the end man... because they were bunched up close together, the impact might reverberate into each other (hopefully) knocking them down like dominoes. Possibly giving the dead man walking a chance to seize the closest goon's weapon. Easy for me to think so anyway. It was about the only chance he had at that point. Likely drugged too, as is their m. o.
We NEVER put the nation on a war footing after 9-11. BIG MISTAKE. "Noble" America responded proportionately. This is what we got in return.