Cleared For The Option 
By Kris Jetzer
           
           We’ve all seen the footage of the stricken DC-10 landing at Sioux City, IA.  The highest of hopes quickly turn into absolute sheer terror as the aircraft touches down onto the threshold of the runway.  This month marks the 17th anniversary of the crash of United flight 232.  On July 19, 1989, flight 232 departed Denver’s Stapleton Airport for Chicago O’Hare with 296 passengers.  This flight was destined to become what is unquestionably the most miraculous, heroic, and even inspiring commercial aviation accident in history.  This apparent oxymoron is truly a testament not only to the dedication towards safety the aviation industry practices but the efforts of the local communities and their generousity that perhaps added to the successful outcome.
            Recently, I had the opportunity to meet who I believe is the greatest hero in the history of aviation, Al Haynes, the captain of United 232.  This was truly one of the most inspiring moments in my life, to hear the story from the man who made the experience.  Captain Haynes presented us with a seminar geared not at the problems that occurred throughout the flight, but rather in all the good fortune (or luck as he calls it) the crew and passengers received that day.  He explains that luck had the aircraft over the great plains versus a trans-oceanic route or even over a densely populated area.  In addition, the weather that day was excellent for flying.  Visibility was unrestricted and there were none of the usual storms that plague the midwest in the early evening hours of the summer months. Lastly, the greatest advantage 232 had been the mere fact they were flying in daylight.
           To me, though, it is the human elements that prove to be the most inspiring element of success.  Let’s begin with the crew.  United 232 has proven to be the gold standard in crew resource management still to this day.  After the failure of the number two engine, the first officer immediately took control of the aircraft while Captain Haynes and the flight engineer began to analyze the situation and implementing the checklists.  When it became apparent that the aircraft had lost hydraulic control, efforts were made to utilize all available resources to troubleshoot the situation.  Radio contact was made to United Airlines maintenance in San Francisco, however, the mechanics had never heard of such a scenario.  In addition, a United Airlines DC-10 training pilot was deadheading in the first class cabin.  Dennis Fitch made himself known to the flight crew and began to improvise.  Captain Fitch was able to control the aircraft by using the throttles of the remaining number one and three engines to steer and maintain altitude.  This technique ended up being what flew the airplane.
            Another important line of communication was between the pilots and the flight attendants.  Because the aircraft had some time prior to landing, Captain Haynes briefed Purser Jan Brown-Lohr of the situation and to prepare the passengers for an emergency landing.  Flight attendants rehearsed and practiced the brace technique with passengers and explained to exit row passengers of the operation of the emergency exits and slides.  The flight also had a large number of unaccompanied children aboard, so in an effort to protect the young fliers, flight attendants reseated adults next to the children so as to help them evacuate the aircraft quickly and safely.  The actions taken by the cabin crew to prepare passengers certainly prove the existence of a safety culture within the airline industry.
            Just as communication in the flight deck proved to be an invaluable asset, communication on the ground was equally important.  I greatly believe that the tower controller at Sioux Gateway Airport was personally responsible for the positive attitude of the flight crew.  With poise and professionalism, he was the lifeline who aided the crippled jetliner to the safety of the runway.  And just as he became the sole form of communication to the DC-10, he was also the liaison to the crash and rescue team at the airport.  Again taking advantage of the precious time the airliner stayed aloft, rescue efforts were coordinated and choreographed to adequately prepare for the worst that could happen.  Rescue workers communicated with local hospitals to prepare for a major disaster.  And, as luck would have it, shift change was occurring so all three local hospitals were double staffed by the time flight 232 reached the airport.  Lastly, Sioux Gateway Airport is home to the Iowa Air National Guard, which were also dispatched to help with rescue efforts.
            The final major human element was that of the local communities.  When news spread of a potential tragedy, many locals began to prepare what they could.  Many humanitarian items were donated such as water, food and blankets.  In addition, local blood banks experienced high volume of donations.  Hospitals became more than adequately supplied for the anticipated needs of the patients.  This outpouring of generosity within the community contributed to an increase in survivability of flight 232 and is truly the greatest human element involved in the success.
            It is absolutely remarkable to see that anybody was able to survive such an accident, but as a result of exceptional crew resource management, and ground communications, 186 people survived the accident.  If not for the well coordinated efforts of the people involved, this truly could have been a worst case scenario.  July 19, 1989 made heroes out of many people and brought out the best in a community.  But as we remember the 17th anniversary of United 232 and all the good that happened, let us not forget the 112 people who lost their lives.

Kris Jetzer can be reached at kjetzer@aviationpast.com