Posted on 09/18/2005 8:41:33 AM PDT by frankjr
***scroll down for an important update***
A number of us in the blogosphere have been catching wind of rumors that a surface-to-air missile was fired at an America West flight originating out of New York. Here's a post at Little Green Footballs, where many commenters are wisely skeptical but wanting more info.
I just got off the phone with Phil Gee, associate manager of media relations at America West, who promptly returned my late evening call. Here's what he told me:
On Sept. 15 (Thursday), America West Flight 17 took off from JFK Airport at 6:05pm EDT [Update: The actual time of departure was 6:49 pm. -MM]. The captain "took the initiative," says Gee, and reported an "irregularity" to air traffic control as the plane was ascending. The plane continued to Phoenix and landed safely at 8:55pm MST. FBI and other authorities met and interviewed all of the crew and passengers on the plane. The investigation is continuing.
Gee would not say whether the pilot or other crew or passengers reported witnessing a missile firing.
"Nothing is confirmed," Gee said.
***
Although one tipster says America West has informed its pilots of the incident, Gee denied that any company bulletin has been issued. Gee mentioned that he had heard that other airline pilots had posted about the incident on an online forum. E-mail or trackback if you have seen other pilot accounts.
***
Update: A government aviation official who asked me not to reveal her name says the "missile siting was [a] false alarm:"
The sighting was reported near Colt's Neck, NJ, which is a major route south out of NY. FAA set up a small temporary flight restriction around the area while checking radar files. Turned out to be nothing more than birds, and [a] big game of "telephone."
***
I'm no authority on most of the coverups. But that lame bird theory in AA587 got my attention. The coverup I studied best was another air flight: The Brown Crash. [More on that later. Time for work. FRegards....]
All rumors are unverified. That's why they are called rumors in the first place. When a rumor is verified, it is no longer a rumor, but rather, a truth.
BTW, maybe TWA Flight 800 was taken down by a flock of birds rather than a quirky fuel line as the government has told us. Repeat after me: "I believe everything the government tells me, I believe everything the government tells me..."
Colts Neck, NJ is roughly 25 miles straight line distance from JFK Airport. How high is an airliner 25 miles downrange from the departure point? My guess is it's getting higher than a shoulder-fired SAM could get to it.
Nothing to see here move along !
Ah, but did they find evidence of birds? =)
I understand what you are saying, but haven't taken any "sides" on the argument. I have no more info than what was posted here, and at other places, and am not quite ready to say for sure what the real story is. I guess some of us have become slightly "conspiratory" in our reactions to things but when you look at the lies thrust upon us by our gov't and MSM you can see why we are.
At this point we don't know the real truth (and neither do you). I'm just keeping an open mind until more information materializes ... if it ever does.
hahahha ... very good!
Right. That's why I have such a hard time fathoming this story. Could be true I guess. Reminds me of that bit from the movie " Airplane!" which goes:
Controller (on the phone): I know but this guy has no flying experience at all. He's a menace to himself and everything else in the air ... yes ... birds too.
True. The scary part is that President Bush kept a straight face while declaring it a "religion of peace".
http://hometown.aol.com/missiletwa800/tapes.htm
Your link is interesting, thanks for sharing it.
You are welcome. I wish I had the time to research those things like others, but some things should not be kept secret. If it really was birds then the government should release the transcripts and tapes .....
Thanks for the ping!
Fascinating. A flock of birds approximately 1 foot wide, 5 feet long, who's tailfeathers are all on fire.
"Due to the substandard construction at WTC 1 and 2, the buildings spontaneously caught fire and tumbled down. The few misguided people who claim to have seen an airliner crashing into the second tower were actually viewing an addled seagull." -- Department of Transportation, September 12, 2001.
Hmm...That bad huh?
I read the conspiracy sites for entertainment..
The terrorists are now training suicide pigeons! The Pigeons are taught to flock and head for the engines of US Passenger planes! The Pigeons are promised they will receive unlimited bread crumbs and statues upon which to perch in heaven in return for their sacrifice.
Remember, you heard it hear first!
LOL
I will defer to frankjr's comment
LOL!!
Breaking news from Debka: The terrorists are now training the mythical Phoenix bird to attack planes!!
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