Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash: What Caused the Tragedy?
On October 20, 1977, tragedy struck the American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd during their 45-day “Tour of the Survivors.” En route to the fifth stop in Greenville, South Carolina, the band was aboard a dilapidated Convair 240 aircraft, destined for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This flight would forever mark a dark chapter in rock and roll history.
The Convair 240, registered as N55VM and built in 1947, was a far cry from the modern aircraft the band had hoped to upgrade to—a Learjet intended for their next tour leg. Drummer Artimus Pyle later recounted to Rolling Stone magazine, “We were flying in a plane that looked like it belonged to the [Beverly Hillbillies] Clampett family.” Despite this, the band proceeded with the flight, unaware of the impending disaster.
Departing Greenville Downtown Airport shortly after 4 PM, the flight was expected to take approximately three hours. Onboard were two crew members and 24 passengers, including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines, bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell, and guitarist Gary Rossington. As the flight progressed, problems began to surface. By 6:42 PM, the pilots contacted Houston Center, urgently requesting the nearest available airport due to fuel exhaustion. Just minutes later, at 6:45 PM, they reported being completely out of fuel.
The last communication from the aircraft was bleak: “We’re at four-point-five,” indicating a critical fuel shortage. Approximately ten minutes later, a weak emergency signal was detected, leading the US Coast Guard to locate the crash site near Gillsburg, Mississippi, at 7:36 PM. The Convair 240 had plummeted into a densely wooded area, striking tall trees and sustaining severe structural damage. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including Ronnie Van Zant and the Gaines siblings.
Miraculously, 20 passengers survived the crash, though 19 sustained serious injuries. Drummer Artimus Pyle emerged relatively unscathed, though he faced additional trauma when threatened at gunpoint after seeking help. The lack of a massive fire, typically seen in such crashes, was attributed to the fuel exhaustion preventing ignition when the wings detached.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation, concluding that fuel exhaustion was the primary cause of the crash. According to the NTSB, the aircraft should have had approximately 207 gallons of fuel remaining, yet calculations suggested only 502 gallons were onboard after refueling. Three potential scenarios were examined:
- Fuel Leak: Dismissed due to the absence of damaged fuel lines or loose caps.
- Fueling Discrepancy: Considered unlikely as fuel meters cannot be reset.
- Engine Problems: Determined to be the most plausible explanation. The right engine was operating in ‘auto-rich’ mode, consuming an additional 25 gallons per hour. Witnesses reported unburnt fuel flames, suggesting excessive fuel consumption.
The NTSB criticized the crew for inadequate fuel monitoring and failure to recognize the excessive consumption early enough to divert to an alternate refueling stop. Additionally, the damaged fuel gauges prevented accurate assessment of the remaining fuel, exacerbating the situation.
Surviving the crash was attributed to several factors. The lack of fuel prevented a catastrophic fire, and the intact mid-section of the aircraft allowed passengers to escape. Drummer Pyle’s quick thinking to secure passengers in brace position likely saved many lives. The prompt response from medical personnel further contributed to the survival of the majority onboard.
In the aftermath, the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash not only decimated the band but also left an indelible mark on the music industry. The loss of key members halted the band’s momentum, leading to a decade-long hiatus before their controversial revival.
The NTSB did not issue new safety recommendations but emphasized the critical importance of diligent fuel management and monitoring by flight crews. The crash remains a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of oversight and mechanical failure in aviation.
As fans remember the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the 1977 plane crash stands as a testament to the fragility of life and the profound impact of unforeseen tragedies on the world of music.
Relaetd News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airlines