Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Try for free
✈️
Heroic Response to Flight 232 Incident
Sep 11, 2024
United Airlines Flight 232 Incident
Introduction
The podcast discusses the events of United Airlines Flight 232, a DC-10 aircraft incident on July 19, 1989.
Focus on the heroic actions of the flight crew and cabin crew, airmanship, and teamwork.
Disclaimer about sensitive topics regarding loss of life.
Background
Flight from Denver to Chicago, normal operations until an explosion at 37,000 feet.
The DC-10 aircraft had advanced hydraulic systems but lacked physical connections between flight controls and surfaces.
Aircraft Systems
Hydraulic Systems:
Three hydraulic systems, one for each engine, with emergency turbine for backup.
Redundancy built into the system to mitigate risks of damage.
Issue with Engine:
Manufacturing defect in the number two engine fan disc caused fatigue cracks leading to failure.
Incident Timeline
Flight Crew:
Captain Alfred Haynes (30,000+ hours)
First Officer William Records (20,000 hours)
Flight Engineer Dudley Dwyer (15,000 hours)
Total 296 people on board.
Explosion at 15:16 led to loss of thrust control in engine number two and failure of all hydraulic systems.
Flight Crew Response
Promptly executed engine failure checklist.
Realized loss of pitch and roll control, risk of spiral dive.
Used differential thrust to stabilize the aircraft.
Cabin crew informed to prepare for emergency landing; Captain Finch (a passenger with experience) was invited to assist.
Airmanship and Decision Making
Captain Finch had studied similar incidents and had practical experience with differential thrust operations.
Communication & CRM (Crew Resource Management):
Effective use of all crew resources improved chances of survival.
Mayday call made; air traffic control provided vectors to Sioux City.
Discussed extending landing gear to absorb impact energy despite risks.
Approach and Landing
Aircraft in a fugoid motion due to control loss; descended towards runway 22.
High-speed landing with right wingtip touching first, resulting in aircraft breakup but landing on an airport perimeter.
Outcome
185 survived, including all crew members.
Investigation led to changes in DC-10's hydraulic systems to prevent future occurrences.
Investigators praised crew's extraordinary performance under extreme circumstances.
Conclusion
Emphasized importance of CRM and thorough preparation for unexpected events.
Captain Finch’s proactive training demonstrated the value of constant learning and readiness.
Encouragement for viewers to consider subscribing for more aviation content.
📄
Full transcript