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- In Memory Of (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/memory/)

- - Denny Fitch (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/memory/67226-denny-fitch.html)

The real hero of UA 232.

You're flying unfettered now, Denny. Do one more roll for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 1184138)

The real hero of UA 232.

Opinions will vary, but I think ALL the guys in that cockpit did a good job that day.

Tailwinds Denny

Captain Denny Fitch, one of the heroes of United Flight 232 (Sioux City, Iowa), lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, May 6.

Captain Fitch was a passenger on the ill-fated Denver-to-Chicago United Flight 232 when the aircraft lost all flight controls over Iowa on July 19, 1989. Captain Fitch, a training captain, went to the cockpit and assisted the crew, led by Captain Al Haynes. Captain Fitch used differential throttle adjustment to steer the crippled DC-10 to a landing at Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. The actions of Captain Fitch and the rest of the crew resulted in the survival of 185 out of the 296 passengers onboard.

Captain Fitch’s heroic actions were honored by President George H.W. Bush and by a Senate Resolution.

Visitation will be at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Ill., on Sunday May 13 from noon to 8 p.m. The address is 405 Main St., St. Charles, Ill., 60175.

The funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 14 at Resurrection Church, 30W350 Army Trail Road, Wayne, Ill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjtguy (Post 1184259)

Opinions will vary, but I think ALL the guys in that cockpit did a good job that day.

Tailwinds Denny

Agreed; no slight intended. I just feel Denny was key---that without his technique, there could have been a different outcome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 1184464)

Agreed; no slight intended. I just feel Denny was key---that without his technique, there could have been a different outcome.

Agreed his technique probably kept the body count down for sure but he was not the first to do that in a DC-10 with control problems..That honor goes to Capt Bryce McCormick in an AA DC-10 in 1972 over Windsor when he lost the bulk cargo door and decompression and floor collapse left his a/c with minimal control. He used asymmetric engine thrust to maintain control. Not as dire as UAL 232 but still great airmanship.

Repost:

Interview with Denny Fitch. Watch it.

One hell of a tale (part 1) - YouTube

to me guys like this seem indestructible but ...
time will always have its way at last

still he was able to enjoy 20+ years
and his grace under pressure allowed many others
the same gift

a true and everlasting hero at peace now