Captain Al Haynes was born in Paris, Texas and raised in Dallas. He attended Texas A&M College before entering the Naval Aviation Cadet Training program in 1952. He was released from the service in 1956 after serving as a Marine Aviator. He joined United Airlines that year and served as flight engineer, first officer and captain for 35 years retiring in 1991.

In 1989 he was the Captain of United Flight 232 which suffered an engine explosion that destroyed the three hydraulic systems of the aircraft rendering all of the flight controls unusable. Through the use of asymmetrical thrust the crew was able to reach Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa, but crashed while attempting an emergency landing. Although 112 of the passengers and crew perished, he and his crew have been cited by the Federal Aviation Administration for their work in preventing a greater loss of life.

Al resides in Seattle where he has been a volunteer umpire for Little League Baseball for over 33 years and a stadium announcer for high school football for over 25 years.

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