Purpose
This short article documents for researchers and historians how Boston Center (ZBW) learned of the impact of a second airplane [UA175] into the World Trade Center and its immediate reaction to a request from New York Center (ZNY) to ground stop everything.
The Impact
ZBW learned of the second impact as it occurred, as recorded at the Severe Weather position Traffic Management Unit (NARA Batch 5, tape 3007988-s2, certification length 42 seconds). ZBW was on the phone with ZNY discussing the fact that ZNY was not taking any hand offs, any overflights. Wanda at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (Herndon Center) facilitated the conversation. Thus, Herndon Center also learned of the second impact in real time. Here is that three-way conversation.
0902 ZBW ZNY second WTC struck
The Reaction
Within seconds, ZBW Traffic Management Unit complete a series of brief calls to airports in its area ordering a ground stop. There is an important aspect to the notifications. The traffic manager at ZBW started by declaring that all commercial traffic was ground stopped. By the third call he had shortened his message to a requirement to “ground stop everything.” This is an example of how FAA facilities became confused as to whether or not the ground stop and the later order to land all commercial air traffic pertained to the military, law enforcement, and first responders. Here is that series of calls.
090340 ZBW Ground Stop Calls to Towers
I will add to this article as I find examples of FAA facilities asking for clarification.