SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
It was as close as you can get to a real airport disaster; helicopters, victims, and emergency responders simulating a deadly plane crash.
The disaster drill July 199th was a startling reminder of what happened that day 23 years ago. KTIV cameras caught United Airlines flight 232 cart-wheeling down a Sioux Gateway runway. One hundred-twelve people died after the fan disk in the tail engine disintegrated, cutting all of the DC-10's hydraulic lines, leading that dramatic crash landing.
Despite the horrifying scene, 184 were saved. A testament, rescuers say, to their preparation. They'd trained for just such an incident less than a year before.
"We'd staged it on the abandoned runway 14-2, which was where 232 crashed," said Woodbury County Emergency Services Manager Gary Brown.
Brown witnessed the crash. He says in the years since, technology has helped emergency crews become much better prepared. But, he says they lack the man power they once had.
"What we've seen in the last few decades is a real dwindling in the numbers of people who are willing to participate in the public safety programs, especially in the volunteer corps," said Brown.
Those they do have, train in drills like these. They happen every three years at Sioux Gateway, an FAA regulation. Having it on 232's anniversary simply worked with everyone's schedule.
"We just picked a date that matched everything. Honestly, I don't even think we discussed it ," said Sioux Gateway Airport's Operators Director John Backer.
Officials gave crews a good review, a good thing, because another emergency is always waiting in the wings.
"It's just a matter of time before we have another airport emergency out here. Being well prepared is what it's all about," said Brown.
