Windows on the World was destroyed when the North Tower collapsed during the terrorist attacks of September 11 , 2001 . That morning , the restaurant was hosting regular breakfast patrons and the Risk Waters Financial Technology Congress . World Trade Center lessor Larry Silverstein was regularly holding breakfast meetings in Windows on the World with tenants as part of his recent acquisition of the Twin Towers from the Port Authority , and was scheduled to be in the restaurant on the morning of the attacks . However , his wife insisted he go to a dermatologist 's appointment that morning , whereby he avoided death . Everyone present in the restaurant when American Airlines Flight 11 penetrated the North Tower perished that day , as all stairwells and elevators leading to below the impact zone were destroyed immediately . Victims trapped in Windows on the World died either from smoke inhalation from the fire , jumping or falling from the building to their deaths , or the eventual collapse of the North Tower 102 minutes later
American Airlines Flight 11
American Airlines Flight 11
Windows on the World