Charlotte, N.C.
The pilots of a commuter plane that crashed in Charlotte, N.C., in January had discussed whether the plane was too heavy to take off, according to recordings released in a hearing this week. A ramp worker suggested removing baggage to bring down the weight. Capt. Katie Leslie responded, “We don’t think we have to take anything off.” Her co-pilot joked, “He’s probably looking at our tail. Like, ’bout ready to hit the ground right now, with all the bags back there.” The tail of U.S. Airways Express Flight 5481 sank on takeoff, and the plane slammed into the ground. All 19 passengers and the pilots died. Seconds before the fiery crash, Leslie said loudly, “Push the nose down! Oh my God!” In the background, a child yelled, “Daddy!”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Thai fish pie with crispy turmeric potatoes recipeThe Week Recommends Tasty twist on the Lancashire hot pot is given a golden glow
-
Palestine Action: protesters or terrorists?Talking Point Damaging RAF equipment at Brize Norton blurs line between activism and sabotage, but proscription is a drastic step
-
Trump's strikes on Iran: a 'spectacular success'?In Depth Military humiliations 'expose the brittleness' of Tehran's ageing regime, but risk reinforcing its commitment to its nuclear program
