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TWA 800, 25th anniversary

ATC and nearby pilots witness and report the mid-air explosion of TWA Flight 800.

2021-07-17 Off the coast of East Moriches, Long Island, New York CW: Distressing content involving a fatal aircraft accident and the deaths of 230 people.

Summary

On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 suffered a catastrophic mid-air explosion shortly after departing JFK Airport. This transcript captures the chilling moments when nearby pilots reported seeing fireballs falling into the Atlantic Ocean and the controller's increasingly desperate attempts to contact the missing Boeing 747.

Analysis

This recording is a haunting historical document of one of the most infamous disasters in aviation history. The transcript begins with routine traffic management in the busy corridor off the coast of New York and New England. Boston Center is seen juggling several flights, including TWA 800, which is climbing through 8,200 feet. The controller provides standard instructions, including an "expedite" request to clear TWA 800 through 15,000 feet for other traffic.

The atmosphere shifts instantly when the pilot of TWA 507 reports seeing an explosion. The gravity of the situation escalates as Virgin 009 and USAir 609 confirm the sighting, describing "two fireballs" and a "big splash" in the water. The controller’s professional composure is evident as he continues to manage other aircraft while repeatedly calling out to TWA 800: "If you hear Boston Center, ident." The silence from TWA 800 in response to these calls is the most chilling aspect of the recording, signaling the immediate loss of the aircraft.

Technically, the recording highlights the reliance on pilot reports (PIREPs) in the moments following a disaster. Because the aircraft disappeared from radar (or its transponder stopped transmitting), the controller had to rely on nearby flights to provide the exact coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the "splash" to coordinate search and rescue efforts. The mention of a "landing light" by TWA 507 was a detail that fueled early conspiracy theories, though investigators later determined this was likely burning fuel trailing from the descending wreckage.

The significance of TWA 800 cannot be overstated; the subsequent four-year investigation by the NTSB was the most extensive in U.S. history. It concluded that a short circuit ignited the flammable fuel/air mixture in the center wing fuel tank. This event led to sweeping changes in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, specifically regarding fuel tank inerting systems to prevent similar tragedies.

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Original ATC Communication

Plain English Translation

PILOT
Boston Center, good evening. Navy Alpha Tango 450 with you at 02.
PILOT
Boston Control, good evening. This is Navy Alpha Tango 450, currently flying at 2,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Navy Alpha Tango 450, Boston Center. Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
Navy Alpha Tango 450, this is Boston Control. I hear you loud and clear.
PILOT
And if you have our request?
PILOT
And have you had a chance to look at the special request we submitted?
BOSTON CENTER
Affirmative. Navy Alpha Tango 450, I’m going to be under a transponder failure here to—to get you right across the Kennedy departures track. In the event you have no transponder, I’m going to need to leave you on airways until you get into the warning area.
BOSTON CENTER
Yes, I have. Navy 450, if your tracking equipment fails, I won't be able to guide you across the busy takeoff paths coming out of Kennedy airport. If you lose that signal, I’ll have to keep you on the standard flight highways until you reach the restricted military zone.
PILOT
Alpha Tango 450, Roger. We’ll stay with the airways.
PILOT
Understood, 450. We’ll stick to the standard flight paths for now.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger. Thank you, sir.
BOSTON CENTER
Got it. Thank you, sir.
PILOT
Boston Center, Jet X 161 X-ray with you at flight level 200 for 19,000.
PILOT
Boston Control, Jet X 161 X-ray is checking in, descending from 20,000 feet down to 19,000.
BOSTON CENTER
161 X-ray, Boston Center. Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
161 X-ray, Boston Control. I’ve got you on my screen.
PILOT
Boston Center, TWA 842 Heavy out of 7.5 for 11,000.
PILOT
Boston Control, this is TWA flight 842, a large aircraft, passing 7,500 feet and climbing to 11,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842 Heavy, Boston Center. Roger. Climb and maintain flight level 190.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, Boston Control. Understood. Keep climbing until you reach 19,000 feet and stay level there.
PILOT
Up to 190, TWA 842 Heavy.
PILOT
Climbing up to 19,000 feet, TWA 842.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 161 X-ray, once you level up at 19,000, proceed direct Nantucket.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 161 X-ray, once you're steady at 19,000 feet, you can fly straight to Nantucket.
PILOT
19,000 direct Nantucket, 161 X-ray.
PILOT
Staying at 19,000 and heading straight for Nantucket, 161 X-ray.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger. TWA 842 Heavy, squawk 3404.
BOSTON CENTER
Copy that. TWA 842, please set your radar tracking code to 3404.
PILOT
3404, TWA 842 Heavy.
PILOT
Setting the code to 3404, TWA 842.
BOSTON CENTER
Atlantic 67, Hampton?
BOSTON CENTER
Atlantic sector, are you there near Hampton?
PILOT
TWA 452, 140 Heavy.
PILOT
This is TWA 452, a large aircraft, currently at 14,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Atlantic, I’ve got a question for you. Actually, let me—I’m going to flash this guy to you. Please don’t take the handoff; he’s too far away. North of Hampton at Navy Alpha Tango 450. Navy Alpha Tango 450, I’m going to take the handoff. All right, he wants to go to BURGG. I’ll flash it at you now just so you can see it. 86—let’s try this. No, he’s not flashing. Forget it. Anyway, North of Hampton, he wants to go direct BURGG at 20,000. If he doesn’t go there, primary only—I still got him down the airway. I don’t know how that’s going to conflict with your Kennedy departures trying to climb above him.
BOSTON CENTER
Atlantic, I’ve got a question for you. Actually, let me try to make this guy's icon blink on your radar. Please don’t take control of him yet; he’s still too far away. He’s a Navy flight, Alpha Tango 450, north of Hampton. Okay, I’m taking control of him now. He wants to go to the BURGG waypoint. I’ll make him blink on your screen now just so you can spot him. Let’s try this... no, he’s not blinking. Forget it. Anyway, north of Hampton, he wants to go straight to BURGG at 20,000 feet. If he goes there, he’s only showing up on basic radar without his altitude data—I’ve still got him on the flight path, but I’m worried about how he’ll get in the way of the planes leaving Kennedy airport that are trying to climb above him.
PILOT
Primary only? I really can’t work a primary only in that corridor there. That’s going to be a problem.
PILOT
He’s only showing up on basic radar? I really can’t manage a plane without a working transponder in that busy corridor. That’s going to be a real problem.
BOSTON CENTER
I understand. Well, his routing is BURGG and I guess he’s doing some airwork out there.
BOSTON CENTER
I understand. Well, his route takes him to BURGG, and I assume he’s doing some flight maneuvers or training out there.
PILOT
I mean, I can take him to BURGG. Is he going to go operational BURGG, do you know?
PILOT
I mean, I can take him as far as BURGG. Do you know if he’s going to start his mission once he gets there?
BOSTON CENTER
Let me check with him and ask. I think he is.
BOSTON CENTER
Let me check with him and ask. I suspect he is.
PILOT
If he goes VFR, that’s no problem. But working him IFR, that’d be a problem without a transponder.
PILOT
If he switches to flying by sight, that’s no problem. But guiding him through the clouds under my control would be an issue without his equipment sending us his altitude and ID.
BOSTON CENTER
Okay. So I’ll tell him if he goes VFR, you can work him. If not, then you cannot take him that way. Pretty much at all—even direct BURGG or down J-121 or V-300?
BOSTON CENTER
Got it. So I’ll tell him if he flies by sight, you can handle him. If not, you can’t take him through your area at all—not even on the direct route to BURGG or the standard high-altitude highways?
PILOT
We can take him, but the problem is if he sits at BURGG, he’s right in the middle of a corridor for all the departures and stuff like that. If he sits at 20,000, I’ve got to climb through him and I won’t be able to see him too well out there.
PILOT
We could take him, but the issue is if he lingers at BURGG, he’s right in the middle of the main path for all the departing planes. If he stays at 20,000 feet, I have to climb other planes right through his space, and I won’t be able to track his position well enough out there.
BOSTON CENTER
Okay, I’ll let him know. Thanks. Navy Alpha Tango 450, whenever you’ve got a minute, I’ve got a couple of questions for you for the next controller.
BOSTON CENTER
Okay, I’ll let him know. Thanks. Navy Alpha Tango 450, whenever you have a moment, I have a couple of questions for you to help the next controller.
PILOT
Alpha Tango 450, Roger. We're ready.
PILOT
Alpha Tango 450, understood. We’re ready.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger. Do you plan on going VFR when you get down to the BURGG intersection?
BOSTON CENTER
Copy that. Do you plan on switching to flying by sight once you reach the BURGG waypoint?
PILOT
That's affirmative, VFR.
PILOT
That’s correct, we’ll be flying by sight.
BOSTON CENTER
Okay. TWA 842, could you give me a good rate of climb to 15,000, please, for traffic?
BOSTON CENTER
Okay. TWA 842, could you climb quickly up to 15,000 feet, please, to stay clear of another plane?
PILOT
All the way to 15,000, TWA 842.
PILOT
We're heading all the way up to 15,000 feet, TWA 842.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, fly heading 270, vector for traffic.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, turn to a compass heading of 270 degrees; I’m steering you to avoid some other planes.
PILOT
Okay, 270, Airshow 5523.
PILOT
Okay, turning to 270, Airshow 5523.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, fly heading 120, vector for traffic.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, turn to a heading of 120; I'm giving you a new direction to keep you clear of other traffic.
PILOT
Heading 120, TWA 842.
PILOT
Heading 120, TWA 842.
BOSTON CENTER
Boston Center, Virgin 009 Heavy out of 17.0 for 24,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Boston Center, this is Virgin 009, our large jet is passing 17,000 feet on our way up to 24,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 9, Boston Center. Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 9, this is Boston Center. I hear you and have you on radar.
PILOT
Boston Center, Kennedy 39, climbing through 10.
PILOT
Boston Center, Kennedy 39 here, just climbing through 10,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 39, Roger. Standby for higher.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 39, I've got you. Wait there for a moment before I clear you to go higher.
PILOT
Roger.
PILOT
Understood.
PILOT
Boston Center, TWA 800 Heavy out of 8,200 climbing 11,000.
PILOT
Boston Center, TWA 800, our large aircraft is passing 8,200 feet and climbing to 11,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, Boston Center. Roger. Climb and maintain 13,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, Boston Center. I see you. Continue your climb and level off at 13,000 feet.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, climb and maintain 13,000.
PILOT
TWA 800, our large jet is climbing to and will stay at 13,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 39, Boston Center, 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 39, contact the next controller on radio frequency 124.52.
PILOT
Kennedy 39, 24.52. Good day.
PILOT
Kennedy 39, switching over to 124.52. Have a good day.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 161 X-ray, Boston Center, 128.75.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 161 X-ray, contact the next controller at Boston Center on frequency 128.75.
PILOT
28.75, 161 X-ray. Thank you.
PILOT
Switching to 128.75, 161 X-ray. Thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
Understood.
PILOT
Good evening, Boston. TWA 900 coming up on 9,000 for 11,000.
PILOT
Good evening, Boston. This is TWA flight 900, passing through 9,000 feet as we climb to 11,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, climb and maintain flight level 190.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, you're cleared to continue your climb and level off at 19,000 feet.
PILOT
190, TWA 900.
PILOT
Up to 19,000 feet, TWA 900.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, what’s your rate of climb?
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, how fast are you climbing right now?
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, about 2,000 feet a minute here until accelerating out of 10,000.
PILOT
TWA 800, our heavy jet is climbing at about 2,000 feet per minute until we pick up speed past the 10,000-foot mark.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger. Climb and maintain flight level 190 and expedite through 15,000. I’ve got to clear you for something else.
BOSTON CENTER
Got it. Climb and level off at 19,000 feet, and hurry through 15,000. I need to get you moved so I can clear you for something else.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, climb and maintain flight level 190, expedite through 15,000.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, climbing to 19,000 feet and we'll speed it up through 15,000.
PILOT
Boston Center, Virgin 009 Heavy, out of flight level 240.
PILOT
Boston Center, this is the Virgin 009 heavy jet, currently descending through 24,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 009, cross CABOT at 12,000, 250 knots. Kennedy altimeter 30.07.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 009, be at 12,000 feet and 250 knots when you pass the CABOT waypoint. The barometric pressure for your altimeter at Kennedy is 30.07.
PILOT
Cross CABOT at 12,000, 250 knots, Virgin 009.
PILOT
We'll be at 12,000 feet and 250 knots at CABOT, Virgin 009.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, maintain 13,000—13,000 only now.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, stop your climb and stay at 13,000 feet—stay right at 13,000 for now.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, okay, stop climb at 13,000.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, okay, we are stopping our climb at 13,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, direct Nantucket on course.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, fly straight to the Nantucket beacon and continue your planned route from there.
PILOT
Direct Nantucket on course, TWA 842.
PILOT
Straight to Nantucket and back on our route, TWA 842.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, fly heading 220, rejoin the airway. Thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, turn to a compass heading of 220 degrees to get back on your designated flight path. Thank you.
PILOT
220 to rejoin, Airshow 5523.
PILOT
Heading 220 to get back on the path, Airshow 5523.
PILOT
Hello, Boston. TWA 507, checking in at 2,000. Request?
PILOT
Hi, Boston. This is TWA 507, checking in with you at 2,000 feet. Can we make a request?
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, Boston Center. Roger. Standby for the request, please.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, Boston Center. We hear you. Please wait a moment before giving us your request.
PILOT
Boston, Jet X 112 out of 11,000.
PILOT
Boston, Jet X 112 is passing through 11,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 112, Boston Center. Kennedy altimeter 30.07.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 112, Boston Center. The barometric pressure for your altitude gauge at Kennedy is 30.07.
PILOT
30.07, 112.
PILOT
Setting the gauge to 30.07, Jet X 112.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, 15 degrees left for climb, please.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, please turn 15 degrees to the left to clear the way while you climb.
PILOT
15 degrees left, TWA 900. Roger.
PILOT
Turning 15 degrees left, TWA 900. Understood.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, your traffic is at 1 o'clock and 7 miles, southbound, 1,000 feet above you, flight level 140.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, there is another plane slightly to your right and 7 miles away, flying south at 14,000 feet, which is 1,000 feet above you.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, looking.
PILOT
TWA 800, our large aircraft is looking for that other plane.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, leaving 15,000, direct Nantucket on course.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, as you climb past 15,000 feet, fly straight to Nantucket and resume your normal route.
PILOT
Out of 15,000, direct Nantucket, TWA 900.
PILOT
Passing 15,000 feet, heading straight to Nantucket, TWA 900.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, Boston, 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 842, contact Boston on frequency 124.52.
PILOT
24.52, TWA 842. Good day.
PILOT
Switching to 124.52, TWA 842. Have a good day.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger. Boston Center, USAir 609 out of 11,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Understood. Boston Center, this is USAir 609 passing through 11,000 feet.
PILOT
USAir 609, Boston Center. Roger. Climb and maintain flight level 190.
PILOT
USAir 609, Boston Center here. I have you on radar. Climb and stay at 19,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Climb to level 190, USAir 609.
BOSTON CENTER
Climbing up to 19,000 feet, USAir 609.
PILOT
Boston, Jet X 18 out of 2,500 for 2,000.
PILOT
Boston, Jet X 18 is passing 2,500 feet, descending for 2,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, Boston Center. Roger. Climb and maintain flight level 210.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, Boston Center. Understood. Change of plans, climb and stay at 21,000 feet.
PILOT
210 for Jet X 18.
PILOT
Heading up to 21,000 for Jet X 18.
PILOT
Boston Center, ExpressJet 008, good evening. Level 28.5 down to 240.
PILOT
Boston Center, ExpressJet 008, good evening. We're at 28,500 feet and heading down to 24,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, descend and maintain flight level 200. No delay down, please.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, descend and stay at 20,000 feet. Please start your descent immediately.
PILOT
Down to 20,000 for TWA 507.
PILOT
Heading down to 20,000 for TWA 507.
PILOT
Boston Center, ExpressJet 008, good evening. Out of 280 down to 240.
PILOT
Boston Center, ExpressJet 008, good evening. We're passing 28,000 feet on our way down to 24,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, New York now on 133.05.
BOSTON CENTER
Airshow 5523, contact New York now on frequency 133.05.
PILOT
33.05, Airshow 5523. Good day.
PILOT
Over to 133.05, Airshow 5523. Have a good one.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, Boston Center. Roger. Jet X 18, descend and maintain flight level 180.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, Boston Center. I hear you. Jet X 18, go ahead and descend to 18,000 feet.
PILOT
180, Jet X 18.
PILOT
Heading to 18,000 feet, Jet X 18.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, climb and maintain 15,000.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, climb and stay at 15,000 feet.
PILOT
TWA 800 Heavy, climb and maintain 15,000, leaving 13,000.
PILOT
TWA 800, our large aircraft is climbing to 15,000, just passing through 13,000 now.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 112, descend and maintain 9,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 112, drop down and stay at 9,000 feet.
PILOT
Down to 9,000, Jet X 112.
PILOT
Heading down to 9,000, Jet X 112.
PILOT
TWA 900 leveling at 190.
PILOT
TWA 900, we've leveled off at 19,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, thank you. TWA 900, just a bit—
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, thank you. TWA 900, just one thing—
PILOT
Roger.
PILOT
Understood.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, if I give you lower, can you be out of 180 in a minute and a half?
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, if I let you go lower, can you drop below 18,000 feet within ninety seconds?
PILOT
We can give you that, TWA 507.
PILOT
We can make that happen, TWA 507.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, descend and maintain 16,000. The Kennedy altimeter 30.07. Thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, drop down and stay at 16,000 feet. The air pressure for your altitude gauge at Kennedy is 30.07. Thanks.
PILOT
30.07, down to 16,000, TWA 507. We can do shortcuts.
PILOT
30.07 on the gauge, heading down to 16,000, TWA 507. We’re happy to take a direct route if it helps.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, well, you’re just about to go off the airway now. I really can’t take you off the airway.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, well, you’re just about to leave the designated flight path. I really can’t let you off the official airway right now.
PILOT
Jet X 112, New York approach on 132.25.
PILOT
Jet X 112, switching over to New York's arrival controllers on 132.25.
BOSTON CENTER
32.25, Jet X 112.
BOSTON CENTER
That's 132.25, Jet X 112.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, descend and maintain 15,000. The Providence altimeter 30.04.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, drop down and stay at 15,000 feet. The air pressure for your altitude gauge in Providence is 30.04.
PILOT
Out of 18.0 for 15,000, Jet X 18. Is that correct?
PILOT
Leaving 18,000 for 15,000 feet, Jet X 18. Did I hear that right?
BOSTON CENTER
That is correct. Thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
That is correct. Thank you.
PILOT
We just saw an explosion out here. TWA 507.
PILOT
We just saw an explosion out here. This is TWA 507.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, I’m sorry, I missed it. You’re out of 18? Say again.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, I’m sorry, I missed that. You said you’re leaving 18,000 feet? Say again.
PILOT
We just saw an explosion up ahead of us here. It was about—about 16,000 feet or something like that. It just went down—into the water.
PILOT
We just saw an explosion right in front of us. It was at about—about 16,000 feet or something like that. It just fell... straight into the water.
PILOT
USAir 609, did you see—?
PILOT
This is USAir 609, did you see—?
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, contact Boston now on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 900, switch over to the next Boston controller now on frequency 124.52.
PILOT
124.52, TWA 900. Good day.
PILOT
Switching to 124.52, TWA 900. Have a good one.
PILOT
Boston Center, Virgin 009. I can confirm that out of my 9 o’clock position. We just had what looked like an explosion out there about 5 miles away, 6 miles away.
PILOT
Boston Center, this is Virgin 009. I can confirm that off to my left side. We just had what looked like an explosion out there about 5 or 6 miles away.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 009, Roger. TWA 800, if you hear Boston Center, ident.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 009, understood. TWA 800, if you hear Boston Center, press your radar signal button.
PILOT
Out of the 9 o’clock position, Boston. It looked like an explosion of some sort about maybe 5 or 6 miles out on my 9 o’clock position.
PILOT
It was off to my left, Boston. It looked like some kind of explosion maybe 5 or 6 miles out off the left side of my plane.
BOSTON CENTER
An explosion 6 miles out at your 9 o’clock position. Thank you very much, sir. Contact New York approach, 125.7.
BOSTON CENTER
An explosion 6 miles out to your left. Thank you very much for the report, sir. Contact New York's arrival controllers now on 125.7.
PILOT
125.7.
PILOT
125.7, switching now.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, Boston Center. TWA 800, if you hear Boston Center, ident. TWA 800, Boston Center, ident.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, this is Boston Center. TWA 800, if you hear me, press your radar signal button. TWA 800, Boston Center, signal your location.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, you reported an explosion. Is that correct, sir?
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, you said you saw an explosion. Is that what you're reporting, sir?
PILOT
Yes, sir. About—about 5 miles out, about 11 o’clock here.
PILOT
Yes, sir. It was about—about five miles away, just slightly to the left of our nose from where we are.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 609, contact Boston now on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir flight 609, switch over and talk to the next Boston controller on frequency 124.52.
PILOT
124.52, USAir 609. Roger. We just had that explosion right overhead, I think. About 130 degrees from JFK, about 48 miles from JFK, on the 102 radial.
PILOT
Switching to 124.52, USAir 609. Understood. I think that explosion just happened right above us. It’s roughly 48 miles southeast of JFK airport, along that specific navigation path out of New York.
PILOT
Center, TWA 507. We are directly over the site with that airplane, or whatever it was, that just exploded and went into the water.
PILOT
Boston, this is TWA 507. We are flying right over the spot where that plane—or whatever it was—just blew up and went into the ocean.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
I understand.
PILOT
At 18—or 19 miles on the 236 radial from Hampton.
PILOT
It's about 18 or 19 miles out along the southwest navigation line coming from Hampton.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger that. Thank you very much, sir. We’re investigating that right now. TWA 800, Boston. TWA 800, if you hear Boston Center, ident.
BOSTON CENTER
Understood. Thank you very much for the report, sir. We’re looking into it immediately. TWA flight 800, this is Boston. TWA 800, if you can hear us, press your signal button so we can find you on radar.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin 9, 125.7. Good day.
BOSTON CENTER
Virgin flight 9, switch to frequency 125.7. Have a good one.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, descend and maintain 11,000. Expedite down.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, head down and stay at 11,000 feet. Get down there quickly.
PILOT
Expedite to 11,000, Jet X 18.
PILOT
Hurrying down to 11,000 feet, Jet X 18.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, descend and maintain flight level 220.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, go down and stay at 22,000 feet.
PILOT
USAir 217 level at 210.
PILOT
USAir 217 is holding steady at 21,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, descend and maintain flight level 220.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, I need you to descend and stay at 22,000 feet.
PILOT
Descending to maintain level 220, ExpressJet 008.
PILOT
Heading down to stay at 22,000 feet, ExpressJet 008.
PILOT
USAir 2 Heavy, 11,000.
PILOT
USAir flight 2, a large jet, is currently passing through 11,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, Boston. Roger. Climb and maintain 15,000.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, this is Boston. I’ve got you. Go ahead and climb up to 15,000 feet and stay there.
PILOT
Up to 15,000, USAir 2.
PILOT
Climbing up to 15,000 feet, USAir 2.
PILOT
Boston, USAir 217 is level at 210.
PILOT
Boston, USAir flight 217 is holding steady at 21,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 217, Boston. Roger. Descend and maintain 11,000. I realize you’re a little bit high, but you have to do your best down. Providence altimeter 30.04.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 217, Boston Center. I hear you. Drop down and stay at 11,000 feet. I know you’re a bit high right now, but I need you to do your best to get down quickly. The air pressure for your altitude gauge at Providence is 30.04.
PILOT
Down to 11,000, 30.04. 217, down to 14,000, down to—
PILOT
Heading down to 11,000, and I’ve set the gauge to 30.04. This is 217, dropping to 14,000, now down to—
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 217, cross Providence at this time.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 217, you should be passing over the Providence checkpoint right about now.
PILOT
30.04, 217.
PILOT
Got the 30.04 pressure setting, 217.
PILOT
Delta 92 Heavy leveling at 11.
PILOT
Delta flight 92, a large aircraft, is leveling off at 11,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, Boston. Roger. Climb and maintain 15,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, Boston Center. Understood. Climb up and stay at 15,000 feet.
PILOT
Delta 92 Heavy, 15,000.
PILOT
Delta 92, the heavy jet, heading for 15,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Navy Alpha Tango 450, New York Center, 133.05.
BOSTON CENTER
Navy flight Alpha Tango 450, contact New York Center now on the radio frequency 133.05.
PILOT
133.05.
PILOT
Switching to 133.05.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 800, Boston Center.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA flight 800, this is Boston Center calling.
PILOT
Boston, TWA 507.
PILOT
Boston, this is TWA flight 507 checking in.
BOSTON CENTER
Go ahead.
BOSTON CENTER
I’m listening, go ahead.
PILOT
Boston, USAir 92.
PILOT
Boston, this is USAir flight 92.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, descend and maintain 12,000. The Kennedy altimeter 30.07.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, descend and stay at 12,000 feet. The local barometric pressure for your altimeter at Kennedy is 30.07.
PILOT
32,000—climb and maintain 12,000, ExpressJet 008.
PILOT
Leaving 32,000—climbing to stay at 12,000 feet, ExpressJet 008.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, Providence now on 125.75.
BOSTON CENTER
Jet X 18, switch over to the Providence controllers now on frequency 125.75.
PILOT
25.75, Jet X 18. Did you want us to hold on for Express or are you all right with—?
PILOT
Switching to 125.75, Jet X 18. Did you want us to wait for that Express flight, or are we good to go?
BOSTON CENTER
We're all right.
BOSTON CENTER
No, you're all set.
PILOT
USAir 217, contact the Providence approach now on 125.75. Thanks for the help today.
PILOT
USAir 217, switch over to the Providence controllers now on frequency 125.75. Thanks for all your help today.
PILOT
25.75. Have a good one.
PILOT
Over to 125.75. Have a good one.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, climb and maintain flight level 190.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, climb up and stay at 19,000 feet.
PILOT
Climb to 190, USAir 2 Heavy.
PILOT
Climbing to 19,000 feet, USAir 2, heavy aircraft.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, thanks for that report. New York on 133.05. Good day, sir.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, thank you for that report. Contact New York controllers now on 133.05. Have a good day, sir.
PILOT
33.05 for TWA 507. Is there anything we can do for you before we go?
PILOT
Switching to 133.05 for TWA 507. Is there anything else we can do for you before we switch frequencies?
BOSTON CENTER
Well, I just want to confirm that—that you saw the splash in the water approximately 20 southwest of Hampton. Is that right?
BOSTON CENTER
Well, I just want to be sure—you're confirming you saw a splash in the water about 20 miles southwest of Hampton? Is that correct?
PILOT
Yes, sir. It blew up in the air, and then we saw two fireballs go down to the water and a big splash and a lot of smoke coming up from that. Also, there seemed to be a light—I thought it was a landing light—and it was coming right at us at about, I don’t know, 15,000 feet or something like that. I put on my landing lights to—and then I saw him, and then it blew.
PILOT
Yes, sir. It exploded right in the air, then we saw two balls of fire fall into the ocean with a massive splash and a huge plume of smoke. Also, there was this light—I thought it was another plane's landing light—and it was heading straight for us at maybe 15,000 feet. I actually turned on my own landing lights to show him where I was... and then I saw him, and then he just blew up.
BOSTON CENTER
Roger that, sir. That was a 747 out there. You had a visual on that? Anything else in the area when it happened?
BOSTON CENTER
Understood, sir. That was a Boeing 747 out there. Did you have eyes on it? Was there anything else in the area when it happened?
PILOT
I didn’t see anything. It seemed to be alone. I thought I saw a landing light—maybe it was fire, I don’t know.
PILOT
I didn’t see anything else. It looked like it was alone. I thought I saw a landing light—maybe it was fire, I’m not really sure.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, Roger that. Anything else comes to your mind, you can use your other radio, come back to this frequency and tell me about it.
BOSTON CENTER
TWA 507, I hear you. If anything else comes to mind, you can use your second radio to call me back on this frequency and let me know.
PILOT
That's all I can think of at this time.
PILOT
That’s all I can remember right now.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, Boston 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, contact the Boston controller on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, Boston on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
USAir 2, switch to Boston on 124.52.
PILOT
124.52. And was that airplane right below us now?
PILOT
Switching to 124.52. And was that other plane directly underneath us just now?
BOSTON CENTER
He should be right underneath you. They reported the splash right underneath you, about 12 o’clock and 4 miles.
BOSTON CENTER
He should be right below you. They reported the crash into the water directly ahead of your position, about four miles out.
PILOT
At 12 and 4. We’re in the water. We see fire and there is smoke coming up.
PILOT
Straight ahead and four miles. We’re looking at the water now. We can see fire and there is smoke rising up.
BOSTON CENTER
I’m sorry, say that again. Give me that report again.
BOSTON CENTER
I’m sorry, could you repeat that? Give me that report one more time.
PILOT
Fire with smoke coming out of the water at our 8 o'clock position right now. I can give you a lat/long if you want.
PILOT
There is fire with smoke coming out of the ocean, it's behind us and to the left now. I can give you the exact GPS coordinates if you want them.
BOSTON CENTER
Absolutely. Thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
Absolutely. Thank you.
PILOT
ExpressJet 007.
PILOT
This is ExpressJet 007.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, standby one. USAir 2, go.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, wait just a second. USAir 2, go ahead with the location.
PILOT
It’s North 40, 39.1, West 072, 38.0.
PILOT
The location is North 40 degrees 39.1, West 072 degrees 38.0.
BOSTON CENTER
All right, we’ve got North 40, 39.1, West 072, 38.0.
BOSTON CENTER
Okay, we have your coordinates at 40 degrees 39.1 minutes North and 72 degrees 38 minutes West.
PILOT
That’s correct.
PILOT
That’s exactly right.
BOSTON CENTER
All right, thanks for the report. Boston 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
Got it, thanks for the update. Switch over to the next Boston controller on frequency 124.52.
PILOT
Delta 9295, descend and maintain 11,000. Direct Providence.
PILOT
Delta 9295, we're heading down to 11,000 feet and flying straight to Providence.
BOSTON CENTER
Down to 11,000, direct Providence, Delta 9295.
BOSTON CENTER
Drop down to 11,000 feet and head straight for Providence, Delta 9295.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 9295, no more airspeed, thank you.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 9295, don't increase your speed any further, thank you.
PILOT
Let's pick up some more. Do you have an altitude for us?
PILOT
We'd like to speed up a bit. Do you have a new altitude for us?
BOSTON CENTER
I'm sorry about that. Providence 30.04.
BOSTON CENTER
I’m sorry about the delay. The barometric pressure for your altimeter in Providence is 30.04.
PILOT
30.04. Any idea who that was?
PILOT
30.04. Do you have any idea who that was on the radio just now?
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, climb and maintain flight level 190. Delta 92.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, climb up and stay at 19,000 feet. Delta 92.
PILOT
Delta 92 Heavy, up to flight level 190.
PILOT
This is the large Delta 92, climbing up to 19,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, climb and maintain flight level 190.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, climb up and stay at 19,000 feet.
PILOT
ExpressJet 007 Heavy, climb and maintain 190. Sorry, Boston.
PILOT
This is the large ExpressJet 007, climbing up to 19,000 feet. Sorry about the confusion, Boston.
PILOT
ExpressJet 008, can we descend? Please. After we get to 12, cleared for 250 knots.
PILOT
ExpressJet 008, can we start heading down? Please. Once we get to 12,000 feet, we’re clear to fly at 250 knots.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 15, expedite your descent. ExpressJet 008.
BOSTON CENTER
Kennedy 15, hurry up with your descent. ExpressJet 008, I'll be right with you.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, contact Boston on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 92, please switch over and talk to the next Boston controller on 124.52.
PILOT
124.52.
PILOT
Switching to 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
I just want to confirm that for Delta 92, you’ve got a—like a callsign 9295 on the frequency, and Delta 92, there seems to be a loud tone whenever you transmit.
BOSTON CENTER
I just want to make sure you're aware there's another plane, flight 9295, on this same channel. Also, Delta 92, there’s a loud, screeching noise every time you try to talk.
PILOT
Okay, Delta 92 understands. Frequency 124.52.
PILOT
Understood, Delta 92 has that. Moving to frequency 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
That’s right. And there is a loud tone accompanying your transmission.
BOSTON CENTER
That’s the one. And just so you know, that loud noise is still happening whenever you speak.
PILOT
Okay, thanks.
PILOT
Okay, thanks for the heads up.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, New York on 125.7. Thanks for the help.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, contact New York on 125.7. Thanks for your help today.
PILOT
125.7, ExpressJet 008. Thanks.
PILOT
Switching to 125.7, ExpressJet 008. Thanks.
PILOT
Boston, American 100 Heavy, out of 8,000 for 11,000.
PILOT
Boston, this is American 100, our large aircraft is passing 8,000 feet and climbing up to 11,000.
BOSTON CENTER
American 100, climb and maintain flight level 190.
BOSTON CENTER
American 100, continue your climb and level off at 19,000 feet.
PILOT
Climb and maintain 190, American 100 Heavy.
PILOT
Climbing to 19,000 feet and holding there, American 100.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, climb and maintain flight level 290.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, climb up and level off at 29,000 feet.
PILOT
Climb and maintain flight level 290, ExpressJet 007 Heavy.
PILOT
Climbing to 29,000 feet and holding there, ExpressJet 007.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 9295, thanks for the help today. Boston—actually, Providence approach on 125.75. And I should take you when you reach 11,000. Slow to 250 knots.
BOSTON CENTER
Delta 9295, thanks for the help today. Switch to the Providence arrival controllers on 125.75. I'll hand you off once you hit 11,000 feet. Slow down to 250 knots.
PILOT
At 125.75, slow to 250 at 11,000. And good day, 9295.
PILOT
Over to 125.75, slowing to 250 knots as we reach 11,000. Have a good day, 9295.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, contact Boston on 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, switch over to the next Boston controller on frequency 124.52.
PILOT
Boston, Ryan 477, 190.
PILOT
Boston, this is Ryan 477, checking in at 19,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Ryan 477, Boston. Roger.
BOSTON CENTER
Ryan 477, this is Boston. I hear you.
BOSTON CENTER
American 100, maintain—maintain flight level 180.
BOSTON CENTER
American 100, stay—stay right at 18,000 feet.
PILOT
American 100 will maintain flight level 180.
PILOT
American 100 will stay level at 18,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, contact Boston 124.52.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 007, please switch your radio to Boston on 124.52.
PILOT
124.52, ExpressJet 007 Heavy.
PILOT
Switching to 124.52, this is the large ExpressJet 007.
PILOT
Center, ExpressJet 008, through flight level 220 for level 220.
PILOT
Center, ExpressJet 008, passing through 22,000 feet and leveling off there.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, maintaining 220. Maintain level 180.
BOSTON CENTER
ExpressJet 008, you're at 22,000 now. Descend and stay at 18,000 feet.
PILOT
ExpressJet 180, maintain level 180.
PILOT
ExpressJet 180, staying at 18,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Maintain 7. He is currently at your 10 o'clock and 40 miles, heading north towards Bangor.
BOSTON CENTER
Stay at 7,000 feet. There’s another plane slightly to your left, about 40 miles away, flying north toward Bangor.
PILOT
ExpressJet 477, flight level 220, 210 for level 210.
PILOT
ExpressJet 477, leaving 22,000 feet and heading down to level off at 21,000.
BOSTON CENTER
Direct Nantucket, go ahead.
BOSTON CENTER
You're cleared to fly straight to Nantucket, go ahead.
PILOT
Boston, USAir 217, please hold heading. Good afternoon, 320.
PILOT
Boston, USAir 217, we'd like to stay on this same path. Good afternoon, we're at 32,000 feet.
BOSTON CENTER
Providence approach, this is USAir 217.
BOSTON CENTER
Providence approach, I've got USAir 217 here for you.
PILOT
USAir 217, Providence approach. Good day.
PILOT
Providence approach control, this is US Airways flight 217. Good morning.
BOSTON CENTER
American 100, maintain flight level 180. Your traffic is 2 o'clock and 15 miles, southeastbound, 1,000 feet above you, same altitude. He’s a 737.
BOSTON CENTER
American flight 100, stay at 18,000 feet. There is another plane at your two o'clock, 15 miles away and heading southeast; he’s a 737, 1,000 feet above you at your same altitude.
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