Improbable landing – the Sioux city miracle
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Issue publication date: 9 March 2022
Abstract
Research methodology
The technical reports released by the National Transportation Safety Board, along with secondary data in the form of available public data, such as news reports, interviews and memos, were used to round out the synopsis of the case study.
Case overview/synopsis
This case explores the events that led up to the crash of United Airlines Flight 717 (for anonymity), in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19, 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.
Complexity academic level
Organizational Behavior at the undergraduate and graduate level. Leadership and Change at the graduate and graduate level.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer. This case is intended to be used as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. The case was compiled from published sources.
Citation
O’Brien, J. and Licht, J.-G. (2022), "Improbable landing – the Sioux city miracle", , Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 319-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-08-2021-0127
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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