CRM Could Save Your Life!

The ability to use all of your available resources, known as Crew Resource Management or CRM,  could save your life someday.  I remember this concept to be so confusing to me when I first started flying- especially on a solo flight.  What resources did I have other than myself?  I was flying in Class G airspace, so I wasn't talking to ATC.  Yes, I was on the nearest CTAF frequency, but was there even a person on the other end or another aircraft flying in the area?  I felt like I had no other resources other than myself.   After reading about United Flight 232, however, I realized I had more resources than I thought.

CRM was not always a primary focus in the aviation world.  United Airlines Flight 232, though a tragedy, allowed the world to see how important good CRM is.

This DC-10, while in flight, lost the entire fan blade from the #2 engine (on the tail).  When it detached, it severed all 3 hydraulic lines, which caused the loss of all flight controls.  Captain Alfred Haynes said, "That left us at 37,000 feet with no ailerons to control roll, no rudders to co-ordinate a turn, no elevators to control pitch, no leading edge devices to help us slow down for landing, no trailing edge flaps to be used in landing, no spoilers on the wings to slow us down in flight or to help braking on the ground, no nosewheel steering and no brakes. That did not leave us a great deal to work with."  In fact, the only thing they had to work with was the two remaining engines (one on each wing).

Because Capt. Haynes realized the importance of CRM, they were able to control the aircraft enough to make a crash landing at Sioux City, Iowa, 45 minutes after losing all hydraulics.  They hit hard, and the airplane broke, but the initial touchdown was on the runway.  Of the 285 passengers, 185 survived.

So how did he do it?  How did he fly a plane with NO control to an airport, touchdown on a runway, and have 185 of his passengers survive?  

This shows the field where they crash landed.

During this era of flying, the PIC was THE SAY, not just the final say.  However, Capt. Haynes realized that he would not be able to handle this situation on his own.  He enlisted the use of every resource available.  Following are a few examples:

Copilot: Capt. Haynes realized that the copilot was a valuable crew member.  He asked for his opinion multiple times and allowed him to help with checklists and to help keep control of the aircraft.

Flight Engineer: He even took input and advice from the flight engineer and treated him like a valuable crew member.

Flight Attendant: Shortly after the engine failed, the flight attendant came into the cockpit to see what the problem was.  The captain could have easily told her to leave them alone while they dealt with the situation, but he didn’t.  He told her what was going on so she could relay the word and prepare the cabin.  She also knew there was a DC-10 Flight Instructor traveling as a passenger, so she was able to tell him what was going on and enlist his help.

Flight Instructor:  Allowing the flight instructor to help was key.  Capt. Haynes asked him to control the throttles while he and the first officer tried to control the aircraft with what little control they may have had left.

When they got closer to the field, as a TEAM,  they decided wether to lower the landing gear (since it was hydraulically controlled they would have to lower it manually) or not.  Together they decided it would be best to lower it as it could help absorb some of the shock upon touchdown. 

ATC: Capt. Haynes let ATC know immediately what was going on so they could begin to find him a suitable landing area.  They were great and did everything they could.

Passengers: When they were closer to the destination, Capt. Haynes told the passengers of the situation- he did not sugar coat it.  This was what they needed to hear.  After hearing the announcement, one passenger in particular decided that whatever the outcome was, if he made it through this alive, he would stay to help.  He had time to decide what he wanted to do.

Emergency Workers: Because Capt. Haynes let ATC know as soon as possible, ATC was able to alert the emergency ground crew so they could be ready.

Hearing about this story is a testimony of how important good CRM is and working as a team when disaster strikes.  Always remember to think outside the box when an emergency occurs and use all your available resources.


If you have the time, I have included a video below which reenacts the flight.  The actual crew is interviewed in this video- well worth the watch!

Sources:

http://www.airdisaster.com/eyewitness/ua232.shtml  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKEQ9yrfOag
thedenverchannel.com