Introduction to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash
On October 20, 1977, the music world was shaken by the devastating news of a plane crash involving the American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. This tragic event occurred during their ‘Tour of the Survivors’, ironically named as it turned out. The crash not only claimed the lives of key band members but also marked a significant pause in the band’s career, which was only revived a decade later under considerable controversy.
Details of the Flight and Crash
The band had chartered a Convair 240, a model dating back to 1947, from L & J Company, based in Addison, Texas. Despite its age and less than optimal conditions, this aircraft was chosen for its cost-effectiveness. Notably, the rock group Aerosmith had previously inspected and rejected this very plane for their tour due to safety concerns.
The flight took off from Greenville Downtown Airport in South Carolina, heading towards Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Onboard were band members including Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, who tragically would not survive the crash.
As the flight neared its destination, the pilots reported a critical situation — the aircraft was out of fuel. Efforts to make an emergency landing were futile, and at approximately 6:55 PM, the plane crashed into a heavily wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi. The impact was severe, with the plane breaking apart and leading to the deaths of six individuals, including the pilot and co-pilot.
Investigation and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately launched an investigation into the crash. Their report concluded that the primary cause was fuel exhaustion due to several factors. First, there was a possibility of a miscalculation or misreading of the fuel supply. Secondly, the engines were found to be set in an ‘auto-rich’ configuration, which significantly increases fuel consumption.
The NTSB also noted negligence on part of the crew in monitoring the fuel levels and engine settings. Had these been diligently checked, the pilots could have planned for an alternate refueling stop, potentially avoiding the tragedy.
Survival and Safety Measures
Despite the catastrophic crash, 20 individuals miraculously survived. This was largely attributed to the lack of fire at the crash site, a direct result of the plane’s depleted fuel tanks upon impact. Quick response and effective coordination of local emergency services facilitated the rescue and medical treatment of the survivors.
Following the incident, the NTSB issued guidelines concerning the leasing and operation of older aircraft models, stressing the importance of rigorous checks and balances to prevent similar occurrences in the future.