TWA Flight 800: Explosion in Midair (American Disasters) [Library Binding]

Michael D. Cole (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: American Disasters

Describes the explosion that caused TWA Flight 800 to break apart in midair, killing 230 people on July 17, 1996, and examines some possible causes for the disaster.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

This timely entry in the American Disasters series is a useful introduction to a mystery that has not and may not ever be solved. The author has taken all available data regarding the ill-fated Boeing 747 that crashed into the sea off Long Island in July, 1996, and fleshes it out with the words of those who saw the plane's flameout, and those who were involved in the rescue. It doesn't make for a pretty tale, but one that is not sentimentalized or made overly dramatic. However, when the text focuses on the agony suffered by the relatives and friends of those who were lost in the crash, it is almost unbearable to read. The lengthy and tedious process of bringing body parts and pieces of the plane from the sea is examined in some detail, and theories as to how and why the plane blew apart in midair are discussed. For those who want more on the topic, Cole (Apollo 13, 1995, etc.) includes useful, annotated chapter notes, as well as periodical and Internet sources. Grim but informative. (full-color photos, not seen, glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766012174
• ISBN-13: 978-0766012172
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,241,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking, April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: TWA Flight 800: Explosion in Midair (American Disasters) (Library Binding)

A brief overview of one of aviations greatest mysteries, and particularly emotional when describing the recovery of the victims and the suffering of relatives. It does, however, lack in accuracy in some places. For example, it states Capt. Snyder handled the takeoff, when Capt. Kervorkian flew while Capt. Snyder handled radio communications. Ralph Kervorkian was a Captain, not First Officer, and was in the left seat being on his second 747 qualification flight after swapping from L-1011's, under the supervision of Capt. Snyder. It was particularly tragic for the father of trainee Flight Engineer Oliver Krick, himself a highly experienced TWA pilot. Let us not forget that TWA also suffered the loss of many employees.