NTSB animation of Colgan Air crash in Buffalo

Via James Fallows:

The extraordinary NTSB animation of the flight's last 2 minutes and 39 seconds dramatizes how it happened. At time 1:40, the plane begins slowing from its cruise speed of about 185 knots. By 2:04 -- with the autopilot holding a constant altitude and the power setting still low -- it had slowed all the way down to 140 knots. That is where the power should have come back in, because the plane had reached its proper approach speed and shouldn't safely go much slower. But the crew left the power at idle, and within four seconds the plane was slowing below 130 knots - at which point the "stick shaker" gave its warning and, tragically, the pilot reacted in exactly the wrong way. The animation shows how quickly this all could happen, and what it looks like when a plane goes into aerodynamic "stall."

Well, at least they didn't lock me into a plane for 11 hours first

from: DearJetBlue@jetblue.com
to: [barry]
date: Feb 17, 2007 12:19 PM
subject: JetBlue Airways Flight Cancellation Notification

Dear Barry,

As a result of system disruptions impacting flights to/from the Northeast we are unable to complete your travel as scheduled. Your flight #1105 on February 18, 2007 for travel from New York's JFK has been canceled.

Please call us at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583) to discuss options for alternate travel. Your confirmation number is [redacted].

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.

Sincerely,

JetBlue Airways