That the Sioux City DC-10 crash had any survivors was only due to the incredible skill of the flight crew. All controls were lost due to the disintegration of one of the engines, which destroyed the hydraulic system. With the controls locked in a turning position, the pilots were able to steer the plane to a runway using only engine power. Unfortunately, the plane broke apart on landing, accounting for the casualties. A video of the crash-landing is available on YouTube, and the “whoop, whoop!” in the background (ground proximity warning? emergency vehicle? airport warning system?) as the plane is coming in is absolutely chilling.
As part of the post-crash investigation following the crash, other air crews attempted to duplicate the landing the United crew had managed with similar damage. Not one attempt succeeded.