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Sky Cabin was manufactured by Intamin in Switzerland. The unassembled tower was shipped to California via the Panama Canal. It was opened at the park for the 1976 season when the themed area was called the Roaring 20's. Measuring 225 feet tall, it was the tallest structure in Orange County, California at the time. The tower was originally integrated with a Sky Jump parachute drop ride, which was removed in 1999.[1][2] From 2010 to 2011, the observation deck was frequently left "parked" at the top of the tower while it underwent refurbishment. This was supposedly to reduce stress on the counterweights. The Sky Cabin site had been considered for a WindSeeker swing tower at the time, but it was built at Fiesta Village instead.[3]
Incident[]
On December 30, 2016, the Sky Cabin observation deck malfunctioned and became stuck over 100 feet in the air. After being unable to lower the deck for 2 hours, park staff contacted the Orange County Fire Authority. Rescuers retrieved the 20 passengers and ride operator by a rope and harness system as the deck was too high for any ladder to reach. During the rescue operation, which took about 5 hours, the park's public relations team asked the firefighters to stop sharing potentially embarrassing information to the public.[4] After the incident, the attraction was updated to be consistent with newer Intamin gyro towers. This included the addition of a more modern ride control system and an emergency chemical toilet hidden under a panel near the ride operator.[5][6] The tower was re-opened for operation on February 10, 2018.[7]
Other updates[]
In 2021, the neon "K" logo atop the Sky Cabin tower was replaced with an LED version ahead of the park's 100th anniversary celebration that began on May 21.[8] The original 20-foot-tall sign was sent to the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale, California.[9]
Gallery[]
The entrance sign for the ride as the deck is returning
The tower's observation deck lowered to the ground
A locked panel concealing the emergency toilet
Video[]
Investigators trying to determine why ride at Knott's got stuck and stranded 20
Balloon Race • Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer • Grand Sierra Railroad • Linus Launcher • Pig Pen's Mud Buggies • Rapid River Run • Rocky Road Trucking Company • Sierra Sidewinder • Woodstock's Airmail
Sky Cabin at Coasterpedia
