Newton Independent
The pilot who helped save the lives of 184 people during a plane crash in Sioux City has died.
Dennis Fitch, 69, died at his home in St. Charles, Ill., of brain cancer.
Fitch was a United pilot and flight instructor was a passenger on United Flight 232 in July 1989 when it lost all hydraulic power while flying from Denver to Chicago.
The DC-10 crash landed, killing 111 people. Fitch and 184 others survived due in large part to his assistance in helping control the plunging plane.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad issued a statement on his passing:
"The crash of Flight 232 was an exercise in heroism, both on the ground in Iowa and in the skies above it," the governor said. "Along with Captain Al Haynes, Dennis E. Fitch saved 184 lives that summer day. Friends and family from across the country were able to enjoy another day, more weeks and countless years with the survivors due to Dennis Fitch's steady hand and sound judgment. As we also solumnly remember the 111 victims of that day's horrific moment, we will proudly remember Dennis E. Fitch as a hearo who did all ye could to save every passenger on that July day in 1989. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family."
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