I was a DC10 Check Capt at UAL when Flt 232 lost all hydraulics due to the departure of a turbine wheel in the center engine, which unfortunately severed an area common to all the hydraulic systems.* All of 'em. Capt Al Hanes was asked by a deadheading instructor, Denny Fitch, if he could use some help. Al quickly took Denny up on the offer. No ailerons, no rudder, no spoilers, no trim, no flaps, no slats, the event happened in the clean configuration, so they were stuck with a landing in the clean configuration, landing basically at cruise speed, roughly 210 knots, IAS. The landing gear had a "free fall" gravity back up system for extension. Denny, kneeling between the pilots, controlled altitude and attitude with power and was able to control heading with differential power. But even that was compromised as the right engine was heavily damaged and was capable of only about 80% power, max.
When UAL retired the DC10, all Standard Capts, Check Capts, Fleet Capts, Instructors had a big party in Ontario, Calif where Denny was the guest speaker and received the overwhelming credit he deserved for his skill and knowledge from his peers, including a song that had something about "takeoffs and landings should be an equal sum, if not, life can be a *itch, just ask Denny Fitch..." or something like that. Al Hanes is always first in line to thank and congratulate Denny.
I agree that this had to have been one of the most amazing flying feats ever done by any aviator. It has never, to my knowledge, been accomplished successfully in simulator attempts, thirty-seven attempts, last I heard. The "fix" installed on DC10s afterward kept the stab trim available for pitch, and an aileron for roll. It was still very difficult to fly, but doable, certainly better than what Al and Denny had.
I think this is a pretty accurate assessment, it's been almost ten years since I flew the DC10. I just couldn't pass up the chance to throw in my appreciation for a couple of heroic aviators, one who gave control of the outcome to someone he knew was better qualified, and the other who got the job done. dg
*Looking into my logbooks, I find an error in my timeline. I flew Al Hanes from DCA to ORD after he appeared in hearings after the accident. It was on the 727. Then I flew him and his wife to a personal appearance in Philadelphia, this time on a DC8. The last time I was priveleged to fly him was on the DC10, taking him to Seattle. I also was present when he addressed the DFW Airport Board to upgrade emergency response capabilities at the airport. He tells a great story, modest to the hilt.
Topic: Everyone talks about how good a pilot they are. (Read 2968 times)