93 Seconds to Disaster

Book excerpt: In "93 Seconds to Disaster," the story of the tragic post-9/11 crash of American Airlines A-300 Airbus flight 587 in Queens, NY, he takes us inside the cockpit on the fateful morning of November 12, 2001 as the plane gets caught in bone-jarring wake turbulence from the 747 in front of it. Stacking up facts, figures, black box transcripts, and his own profound expertise, Power-Waters criticizes the NTSB for its rush-to-judgment conclusion that the co-pilot caused the breakup of the plane. The author cites reports of 'popping noises' and shedding of plane parts after takeoff, and believes the Airbus either was not airworthy before takeoff or there was an explosive device on board. Power-Waters' probe flatly concludes that Airbus covered up evidence of the extreme sensitivity of the plane's rudder. He hammers at airlines, accuses the FAA of 'sleeping with the airlines', and once again tests the air industry's commitment to safety.