[DuncanWaring]

If the passengers did not gain access to the cockpit (ie. the cockpit was sealed with the hijackers commanding the plane) then why would the hijackers deliberately crash the plane?

Because the hijackers figured that if the passengers had retaken control of the cabin, they were about to retake control of the cockpit, and the hijackers, chickensh*ts that they were panicked.

[EllaMinnow]

I've read the article several times, and all I can say is that in my eyes the new scenario does nothing to diminish the heroism of the passengers, it just makes the terrorists seem more cowardly.

From the tone of the article, I don't think the reporter intended that reaction.

[Doe Eyes]

Because the hijackers figured that if the passengers had retaken control of the cabin, they were about to retake control of the cockpit, and the hijackers, chickensh*ts that they were panicked.

Which is the way I read the article. No contradiction. There is a difference between cabin and cockpit.

[evilC]

>>>
Because the hijackers figured that if the passengers had retaken control of the cabin, they were about to retake control of the cockpit, and the hijackers, chickensh*ts that they were panicked.
<<<

And no 70 black-eyed virgins if they are taken alive I presume.