The time was now just past 9 a.m. The second plane was United Airlines Flight 175, steered into the southern tower.

"Oh my," said "Today" show co-anchor Katie Couric, watching the sudden fireball.

"It's the other tower," said her co-host, Matt Lauer.

On TV, the sight of UA 175 swooping into sight, banking, dipping, hitting and exploding played again and again, .......