United Flight 232 crash is among the history Sioux City’s aviation museum shares
United Flight 232 departed Denver en route to Chicago for should have been a typical uneventful flight. About midway through the trip, the plane lost its rear engine, and soon after all ability to control the plane, Capt. Al Haynes declared an emergency. The plane was directed to land in Sioux City, Iowa.
The story of Flight 232 is one of both sadness and heroism. The plane basically broke apart upon impact. Passengers believed the plane somersaulted down the runway. It was later proven that it was a wing that had separated from the fuselage and tumbled along the way. The crash landing took the lives of 111 of the 296 people aboard the DC-10 that July 19th day in 1989. The rest -185 – survived, including some who were able to walk away from the wreckage.
That day – one that tested the preparedness and resiliency of a city of about 80,000 – is remembered as part of an impressive exhibit at the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation.
A timeline of events and photos of the crash site and people involved hang on the museum’s walls. A photograph of Capt. Haynes is prominent among the displays. A shirt worn by a crew member was donated by the United employee’s family.
The disaster response teams and hospital staffs are recognized with the exhibit. Fire and rescue crews were quick to respond to the crash site. Hospital emergency room personnel, flight crews and surgical staffs had to formulate their plans in a short time.
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation offers visitors more to see. Aircraft and vintage automobiles are among the pieces of military vehicles, equipment and other artifacts.
A replica of a French Nieuport 11 airplane gives visitors a glance into World War I aircraft. The single seat fighter played a major role in bringing down German Fokker planes during the war.
Airplane models hang from the ceiling, giving the impression they’re flying.
Staying with the military theme portion of the museum, visitors can take in a number of displays. Uniforms date to the Civil War. A variety of military uniforms are on display from World War II.
I took a walk down memory lane when checking out a dorm display. The bunk beds were made up with old olive green blankets, with perfect hospital corners and a tight appearance. Not sure a Tech Instructor could bounce a quarter off of them, but they looked good. The blankets were always so itchy. I guess it prepared us for those long shifts and short rest periods, so we were able to serve with little sleep.
The military vehicles on display were a bit different than what you typically see at military museums. A desert dune buggy that once belonged to the Army, a small helicopter and an ambulance are on view.
An exhibit recognizes the Sioux City Air National Guard base. The 185th Tactical Fighter Group has been based here since 1962. It changed unit names and plane support through the decades, but it remains an active Guard installation. Today, it serves as an air refueling unit.
Beyond the military angle, the Mid-America Museum of Aviation and Transportation offers a look at some unique vehicles. How about a hearse that a man bought “just because.” I can’t imagine driving a hearse as an everyday car, but one man did. He bought it on a whim.
How about a “Ghostbusters” ambulance? The car even includes some miniature Ghostbusters action figures on the dashboard.
Vintage cars are always a draw. The museum doesn’t disappoint with its share of older cars on display.
Interested in a trip back to the future? A DeLorean is among the cars you can check out. Not sure if Doc Brown or Marty McFly are nearby.
United Airlines exhibits include an airliner cockpit and flight display. Crew members’ uniforms and more are available for visitors to see.
Outside the museum, a FedEx plane can be seen. It is sometimes open for tours.
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation is 30,000 square feet of interesting exhibits. We recommend checking it out when in Sioux City.
For more information on the museum, please visit www.midamericaairmuseum.org or www.visitsiouxcity.org.
