The Terrifying, Deadly Plane Crash In Iowa That Will Never Be Forgotten

Air traffic control organized an emergency landing, letting Capitan Hayes know he was cleared for landing on any runway. With little control of the plane's steering and his sense of humor still intact, Hayes responded: "You want to be particular and make it a runway, huh?"

The crew made a series of right-hand turns in the air as they were attempting to line up with Runway 31, and dumping excess fuel to prepare for the crash landing. With little maneuverability, they ended up better lined up with the much shorter and recently decommissioned Runway 22. Firetrucks had been parked on Runway 22 and had to quickly move out of the way of the incoming plane.

The right wing hit the runway and ignited. The tail section of the plane broke off, and the aircraft bounced several times - breaking the fuselage into many large pieces. On the final impact, the right wing flew off, and the aircraft skidded sideways and flipped over. It landed in a cornfield to the right of Runway 22.

Of the 296 people on board, 111 people were killed in the crash. 35 of those died from smoke inhalation, but the majority died from the multiple impacts. Only 13 passengers walked away without injury. Eleven children were among those who did not survive. It took 35 minutes for rescuers to find the cockpit and all four pilots, alive. Each pilot eventually recovered from their injuries and returned to fly again.

Today, there is a beautiful, peaceful memorial at Sioux Gateway Airport, paying respects to those who died, and commemorating the brave first responders who helped carry away many of the survivors.