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I think it was clear it was a suicide mission, as they weren't armed with guns.So a standoff on the ground was impossible, and just how could they maintain control with only knives, for an extended period of time? That would have told me that no matter what, you're dead.So you have nothing, at all, to lose in trying to take control of the flight.As a passenger, that would have the rung the bells immediately for me.Die fighting, or die in a crash, but by fighting, maybe have a chance to land the plane with a wonded pilot or help from air traffic controllers.A chance, but better than nothing.

I would have grabbed a PC, briefcase and jacket and stormed them.It may sound 20/20, but no guns present, no chance to make it all.

Remember these passengers knew what was afoot in a way passengers in the other planes did not. Who would have imagined the plan until there were exemplars?

So true. We can well imagine the other plane's passengers thinking there'd be demands, negotiations, ransom, and never knowing that they were heading for a building.

Remember these passengers knew what was afoot in a way passengers in the other planes did not. Who would have imagined the plan until there were exemplars?

I have been trying to tell people this. On the first two planes, it is most logical to assume that the pilots and flight crew urged calm and compliance with the terrorists. The hypothetical "pilot's handbook" would state that most passengers and crew survive a hijacking as long as they comply with the terrorists' demands.

Others have alluded to game theory...IMHO, game theory on the first two flights would have dictated compliance with the terrorists' demands. The 3rd flight (Pentagon) I am uncertain. By the 4th flight, the intent was known and the equation was dramatically changed. But the passengers needed CONFIRMATION of the likely intent before they stormed the terrorists and guaranteed the mid-air deaths of all aboard.

I truly believe that heroes would have emerged on the first two flights if anyone had AN INKLING of the disaster that was planned. Sadly, it was a very well-planned terror attack...which is why our response must be equally well-planned and MUCH MORE devastating....