Two F-15s Scrambled To Intercept United Airlines Flight #956

[csintel]

Two F-15s from Barnes ANGB (KBAF), callsigns SLAM 31/32, were scrambled at approximately 0039Z yesterday evening when United Airlines Flight #956, reg N654UA, radioed to ZBW ATC saying that they had a "suspicious package" on board and needed to divert to KBOS.

Shortly after take-off, SLAM 31 suffered a total avionics system failure, resulting in him having to declare an In-Flight Emergency and having to RTB. SLAM 32 then walked him out of the weather back to base. Initially, SLAM 31 wanted FL400 but, was denied clearance that high and stayed at FL300.

Turns out that the "suspicious package" was simply a digital camera stuffed into the backseat pocket and no one knew how it got there.

Here is the audio link to the recorded radio comms between KBAF Tower and SLAM 32 getting clearances for the scramble.

Intense stuff right here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/904577-slam-31- ... t-07-31-12