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Contact: MaryJane Hartman, 814-886-6125
SHANKSVILLE, Pa. –On Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7, at the Learning Center of Flight 93 National Memorial, discover the stories of the trooper pilots of the Pennsylvania State Police who responded to the Flight 93 crash site on September 11, 2001. At1 p.m.on both days trooper pilots will share memories of their experience at the Flight 93 crash site, including the earliest known aerial footage of the crash site, and discuss the role of the Aviation Patrol Unit of the Pennsylvania State Police during the investigation and recovery. In addition, a Bell Long Ranger Helicopter that responded to the scene September 11, 2001 will be on standby both days from10 a.m. until 4 p.m.to provide visitors with a look at the world of the Aviation Patrol Unit.
Aviation Patrol Units of the Pennsylvania State Police based in Latrobe, Franklin, and Harrisburg responded to the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in rural Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. With U.S. air space closed onSeptember 11, highly-trained trooper pilots operating Bell Jet Ranger and Long Ranger helicopters secured the perimeter of the crash site from the air and transported Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge to Harrisburg to lead the Commonwealth through a time of national tragedy. They also flew investigators over the site to survey the scene onSeptember 11. State Police helicopters carried investigators over the crater and debris field daily, and aerial photographs were made to document the scene. Aviation Patrol Units searched the ground for additional debris, identifying “hot spots” for those working the crime scene on the ground. Twenty-four hours a day throughout the two-week-long investigation, crew members of the Aviation Patrol Units of the Pennsylvania State Police stood by with two helicopters, ready to assist.
Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen Clark said, “We’re happy to feature the important role that this unit of the State Police provided the Nation on September 11, 2001 in response to the crash of Flight 93 and securing this site.”
The public is invited to attend all programs, although seating in the Learning Center is limited. Check the calendar of events for a full listing of programs. There is no fee to visit Flight 93 National Memorial.
NPS
About Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Unit
Provides aerial support to all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies within the Commonwealth. In addition to general air patrol work, Aviation Patrol Units conduct searches and rescues, assist in vehicle pursuits, conduct criminal surveillances, participate in marijuana eradication efforts, perform crime and traffic incident scene photography, provide transports, and conduct Emergency Management and Homeland Security missions, providing an aerial platform for incident command and control. They also assist in non-emergency situations, including major civic and sporting events.
About the Flight 93 National Memorial
On Sept. 24, 2002, Congress passed the Flight 93 National Memorial Act. The Act created a new national park unit to commemorate the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our nation’s capital. The memorial is outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed with the loss of its 40 passengers and crew. For more information about the Flight 93 National Memorial, please visit www.nps.gov/flni
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Last updated: August 1, 2016