On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77, heading from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, was hijacked by five terrorists associated with al-Qaeda. The hijackers crashed the plane into the west side of the Pentagon (specifically its west wall), a powerful impact that caused severe damage, loss of life, and substantial structural destruction within the area that was hit. The attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania collectively resulted in significant loss of life and became a notable point in American history, influencing policies on counterterrorism, aviation security, and international affairs.