description Al Haynes Overview
Al Haynes is a celebrated American aviator known for his extraordinary piloting skills during United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989. The aircraft experienced a catastrophic hydraulic failure forcing Captain Haynes to execute an emergency landing at Sioux City Iowa relying solely on engine thrust. His decisive actions and skillful control averted a far greater disaster saving the lives of nearly all passengers. This event remains significant for aviation training and is studied by pilots worldwide particularly those involved in commercial operations.
insights Ranking position
Al Haynes ranks #24 of 195 in the Aviator ranking, behind Curtis LeMay, ahead of Eileen Collins.
help Al Haynes FAQ
How did Al Haynes manage to fly United Airlines Flight 232 without flight controls?
When an engine failure severed all hydraulic lines on Flight 232 in 1989, Al Haynes and his crew lost all conventional flight control. They managed to steer and descend the crippled DC-10 aircraft by manually adjusting the thrust of the two remaining engines. This emergency technique was devised on the spot with the help of an off-duty check pilot, Dennis Fitch.
Where did United Airlines Flight 232 crash land?
Captain Haynes guided the aircraft to an emergency landing at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. Although the plane violently broke apart upon landing, the extraordinary piloting saved 185 of the 296 people on board. The event is widely considered a miracle in aviation history.
What caused the engine failure on United Flight 232?
The catastrophic failure was caused by a fatigue crack in the fan disk of the aircraft's tail-mounted General Electric CF6 engine. When the disk explosively disintegrated, shrapnel severed all three redundant hydraulic control systems. This specific mechanical failure led to sweeping design changes in future commercial aircraft.
When did Captain Al Haynes die?
Al Haynes passed away on August 25, 2019, at the age of 87. His death came just weeks after the 30th anniversary of the Sioux City crash. He spent decades after the incident speaking about crew resource management and aviation safety.
explore Explore More
Similar to Al Haynes
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
