Part 2/8:

On a stormy summer night, just after landing in Dallas, Texas, Captain Richard Bushman and First Officer Michael Orgel began their final flight of the day, American Airlines Flight 1420 bound for Little Rock, Arkansas. Both pilots were seasoned aviators; Captain Bushman had accumulated over 10,000 flying hours, while Orgel had extensive experience as a corporate pilot. Yet, after prolonged workdays and accumulating fatigue, they faced increasing pressure to reach their destination on time.

After delays due to adverse weather, the aircraft—a 17-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-82—departed Dallas over two hours behind schedule. As they made their way towards Little Rock, storms loomed ominously on the horizon, ushering in a sense of urgency within the cockpit.