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."
***
Actually the best coverup / conspiracy theory book that I've read lately is "Red Star Rogue" .... K-129 .... the failed Soviet nuclear attack on the United States.
I been meaning to get that book. Is it any good?
>>>Fascinating. A flock of birds approximately 1 foot wide, 5 feet long, who's tailfeathers are all on fire.
Not a flock...just one big-*ssed bird that got into a stash of jalapeno-sunflower seeds and overindulged...just a big ol' flyin' blowtorch... :)
It sure gives one a mindset of "reactive" instead of "proactive" when it comes to taking action doesn't it?
More like "centered in reality" versus "conspiracy f***nuts."
Birds can be terrorists too!
Did any of the media note any "crescent" shapes on the wings of the perpetrating birds?
ROTFLMAO with a feeling of melancholy..
If we all start jumping at shadows, we're going to be fatigued when the genuine article comes charging at our doorstep.
Ever notice the same people who think far-reaching government conspiracies are real are usually the same folks who think that pro wrestling is real and the lunar landing was fake?
Some are still "wrestling" with the idea that the moon doesn't exist and the earth is flat.
Very Cool. I am definantly going to get that book.
Flights were delayed. And apparently, a different runway was used. had some people whose flight was delayed on the tarmac for over an hour.
FWIW.
It's simple .... release the tapes and talk to the pilots. Then decide.
I care not to think which way they vote. (((shudder)))
Nothing happened on a scale worth contemplating.
Perhaps a congressional panel of experts (at a fee) could put closure to this issue.
I shudder at the vision of when they do go to the polls and are asked for proof of residency their response is "BHAAA".
At which point the pollworker leans forward, sniffs, and says, "Smells bad...has no social graces...and is wild about grass. Harry! We got another Libertarian here!"
Hehehehehehehe! :o)
I feel as though I owe you for you are doing all of my footwork and saving me from many posts! ; )
LoL!
Great post!
I love rumors.
Some turn out to be true, some don't, but I like watching the process where they're are weakened or strengthened in real time on the internet.
BTW, Al Gore is gay.
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