Flight 232: It's been 35 years since United Airlines' deadly airplane crash in Iowa
On July 19, 1989, United Airlines Flight 232 heading from Denver to Chicago suffered catastrophic engine failure. Coordinating with air traffic control, the pilot decided to land in Sioux City.
The plane crashed while attempting to land and erupted into a fireball, shattering into pieces and killing 112 people — 184 survived.
Watch the video above to see vlog's report from July 19, 1989.
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A timeline of United Flight 232
Flight 232 took off from Denver at 2:09 p.m., bound for Chicago on July 19, 1989.
At 3:16 p.m., a cracked fan blade disintegrated, causing the engine to fail, and the debris severed the plane’s three hydraulic lines. The pilot, Capt. Alfred "Al" Haynes, lost all flight controls.
Air Traffic Control gave Haynes options for landing, including the Des Moines International Airport. Because control over the plane was so poor, he picked the closest location: Sioux City.
Flight 232 archives: Final communications from the cockpit before the tragic crash
Just before 4 p.m., the plane cartwheeled down the runway upon touching down. The wreckage left a mile-long path from the runway into a nearby cornfield.
Flight 232 archives: Survivors share their harrowing stories
National Transportation and Safety Board officials said it was amazing that so many people survived. Bob Hamilton, the former Sioux City fire chief, said having a good disaster plan and plenty of warning time helped save lives.
Flight 232 archives: Former Sioux City Fire Chief Bob Hamilton speaks out
Haynes was a former Marine pilot who had been with United for 33 years. Six days after the crash, he spoke to reporters about why he chose Sioux City.
Flight 232 archives: Captain Al Haynes recounts what happened inside the cockpit
The initial engine failure happened while flying over Alta, Iowa, 70 miles east of Sioux City. During the fall harvest, two major pieces of the aircraft were found a half mile away from each other.
Flight 232 archives: Missing engine fan uncovered in fall harvest
Flight 232 archives: Last missing piece found in Alta corn stalks
Ten years later, vlog's Todd Magel talked to witnesses who recounted the events of that day.
Flight 232 archives: Saviors and Survivors
At least survivors of the crash went on to write books about their experience. Jerry Schemmel wrote "Chosen to Live," and Joe Trombello wrote "Miracle in a Cornfield." Both men talked with vlog's Todd Magel 10 years after the crash.
Flight 232 archives: Survivors recount their experience 10 years later
The in Sioux City is home to the Flight 232 exhibit. There's an annual open house on July 19 with free admission and free-will donations to support the exhibits.
What happened to Flight 232 in 1989? Remembering United Airlines' deadliest plane crash