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 tragic events in American sports history. On November 14, 1970, a chartered plane carrying the Marshall University football team, coaching staff, and fans crashed into a hillside near Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia. The disaster claimed the lives of 75 people, including 37 players, eight coaches, and 25 boosters and fans.
The plane, a DC-9 aircraft, was on its way back to Huntington, West Virginia, after a game against East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The team had just finished a 17-14 loss to East Carolina, and the players were looking forward to returning home. However, fate had other plans. At around 7:35 pm, the plane attempted to land at Tri-State Airport, but it crashed into a hillside just a mile away from the runway. The impact was severe, and the plane burst into flames, killing everyone on board.
The crash was met with widespread shock and grief, not just in Huntington but across the entire nation. The community came together to support the families of the victims, and a memorial service was held at the university's stadium, which was attended by thousands of people. The tragedy also led to changes in the way that teams travel, with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implementing new safety regulations for team travel.
Causes of the Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the crash and determined that the probable cause was a combination of factors, including pilot error, inadequate air traffic control, and poor weather conditions. The pilots had become disoriented in the dense fog and had failed to properly navigate the plane to the runway. Additionally, the air traffic controllers had not provided adequate guidance to the pilots, and the plane's altimeter had malfunctioned, leading to a loss of altitude.
The NTSB report also highlighted the need for improved safety procedures for team travel, including the use of more advanced navigation equipment and better communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Marshall University plane crash had a profound impact on the university and the community. The team's stadium, which was later renamed Joan C. Edwards Stadium, was rebuilt, and a memorial was erected to honor the victims. The university also established a scholarship fund in memory of the players and coaches who lost their lives.
In 2006, a film titled "We Are Marshall" was released, which told the story of the crash and the team's subsequent recovery. The film starred Matthew McConaughey as Coach Jack Lengyel, who led the team in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Rebuilding the Team
In the aftermath of the crash, the Marshall University football team was rebuilt from scratch. Coach Jack Lengyel, a former assistant coach at Marshall, was hired to lead the team, and he worked tirelessly to recruit new players and rebuild the program. The team's first game after the crash was played on September 18, 1971, against Morehead State University, and they won 15-13.
The team's recovery was nothing short of remarkable, and they went on to have a successful season, winning five games and losing four. The team's resilience and determination in the face of tragedy inspired the entire nation, and they became a symbol of hope and perseverance.
Remembering the Victims
The Marshall University plane crash is still remembered today as one of the most tragic events in American sports history. The victims of the crash are remembered and honored each year on the anniversary of the tragedy, and the university continues to pay tribute to their memory.
In 2014, the university dedicated a new memorial to the victims of the crash, which features a bronze statue of a football player and a plaque with the names of all 75 victims.
Conclusion
The Marshall University plane crash was a tragic event that shook the nation and had a profound impact on the university and the community. The crash led to changes in the way that teams travel and highlighted the importance of safety procedures. The team's recovery and resilience in the face of tragedy inspired the entire nation, and they became a symbol of hope and perseverance. Today, the victims of the crash are still remembered and honored, and their legacy lives on.
What was the cause of the Marshall University plane crash?
+The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the crash was a combination of factors, including pilot error, inadequate air traffic control, and poor weather conditions.
How many people died in the Marshall University plane crash?
+75 people died in the Marshall University plane crash, including 37 players, eight coaches, and 25 boosters and fans.
What was the impact of the Marshall University plane crash on the university and the community?
+The crash had a profound impact on the university and the community, leading to changes in the way that teams travel and highlighting the importance of safety procedures. The team's recovery and resilience in the face of tragedy inspired the entire nation, and they became a symbol of hope and perseverance.