Intro
Relive the devastating Marshall University plane crash, a tragic day in American sports history. On November 14, 1970, a chartered plane carrying the Marshall University football team, coaches, and fans crashed, killing 75 people. Explore the events leading up to the disaster, its aftermath, and the lasting impact on the university and college football.
The Marshall University plane crash is one of the most devastating tragedies in American sports history. On November 14, 1970, a plane carrying the Marshall University football team, coaches, and staff crashed into a hillside near Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia, killing all 75 people on board. The disaster sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving a community in mourning and a university forever changed.
The Marshall University football team had just finished a game against East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and was heading back to Huntington, West Virginia. The team was traveling on a chartered Southern Airways DC-9 plane, which took off from Greenville at 6:38 p.m. The flight was expected to be a routine one, but it would end in tragedy just 48 minutes later.
Causes of the Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation into the crash and found that the probable cause was pilot error. The pilot, Frank Abbot, had become disoriented in the foggy conditions and failed to follow proper procedures, leading to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The plane crashed into a hillside at a speed of around 230 knots (265 mph), killing everyone on board instantly.
Aftermath of the Crash
The crash sent shockwaves across the nation, with news of the tragedy spreading quickly. The university was plunged into mourning, with students, faculty, and staff struggling to come to terms with the loss. The community rallied around the university, with thousands attending memorial services and vigils.
In the days and weeks that followed, the university faced the daunting task of rebuilding its football program. The team's coach, Rick Tolley, was among those killed in the crash, and the university had to find a new coach and rebuild the team from scratch.
Rebuilding the Program
The university appointed Jack Lengyel as the new head coach, and he faced the daunting task of rebuilding the program. Lengyel had never coached a college football team before, but he was determined to restore the program to its former glory.
Lengyel's first task was to recruit new players, and he traveled the country to find talented young athletes. He also had to rebuild the coaching staff, hiring new assistants and trainers.
Despite the challenges, Lengyel's team showed remarkable resilience and determination. The 1971 team finished with a 2-8 record, but they had shown that the program was on the road to recovery.
Legacy of the Crash
The Marshall University plane crash had a profound impact on the university and the community. It led to changes in aviation safety regulations and raised awareness of the importance of proper training and procedures.
The crash also led to the creation of the Marshall University Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to students who have lost family members in tragic circumstances.
In 2006, the university dedicated a new memorial to the victims of the crash. The memorial features a bronze statue of a football player and a plaque with the names of those who died.
Remembering the Victims
The Marshall University plane crash will always be remembered as one of the darkest days in American sports history. The victims of the crash will never be forgotten, and their memory lives on through the university and the community.
In 2010, the university held a 40th-anniversary memorial service to honor the victims. The service was attended by thousands, including family members of those who died and former players and coaches.
Conclusion
The Marshall University plane crash was a tragedy that will never be forgotten. It had a profound impact on the university and the community, and it led to changes in aviation safety regulations.
As we remember the victims of the crash, we are reminded of the importance of safety and the need for proper training and procedures. We also remember the resilience and determination of the Marshall University community, which came together to rebuild the football program and honor the memory of those who died.
We invite you to share your thoughts and memories of the Marshall University plane crash in the comments below. You can also share this article on social media to help keep the memory of the victims alive.
What was the cause of the Marshall University plane crash?
+The probable cause of the crash was pilot error. The pilot, Frank Abbot, became disoriented in the foggy conditions and failed to follow proper procedures, leading to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
How many people died in the crash?
+All 75 people on board the plane died in the crash, including the football team, coaches, and staff.
What was the impact of the crash on the university?
+The crash had a profound impact on the university, leading to changes in aviation safety regulations and raising awareness of the importance of proper training and procedures. It also led to the creation of the Marshall University Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to students who have lost family members in tragic circumstances.