Part 2/8:
The Journey Begins
Flight 514 took off from Columbus, Ohio, after completing pre-flight checks and ensuring passengers were securely buckled in. The Boeing 727, popular in the 1970s, was well-equipped for the short journey to Washington National Airport. However, as they climbed, unforeseen challenges awaited them.
Diverting to Dulles
Just 12 minutes into the flight, the trio received disastrous news: Washington National Airport had closed to arrivals due to high winds and inclement weather. Captain Brock was forced to divert to Dulles International Airport, which also faced weather challenges but was currently accepting inbound flights. This abrupt change added complexity to the situation, putting pressure on the flight crew.