Improbable Landing - The Sioux City Miracle

This case explores the events that led up to the crash of United Airlines Flight 232, in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19th, 1989, and the subsequent investigation. The case uses secondary sources to highlight the positive team interactions between the pilots that led to the crash landing not being as catastrophic as it might have been with 185 survivors in an extreme crisis scenario. The teaching note focuses on the importance of cognitive bias, psychological safety, and teamwork in a crisis situation, and practical recommendations for managers at all levels.