March 4, 2015 – Transportation officials are considering a new look into the 1959 plane crash that killed rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The crash shocked music fans and was memorably referenced in Don McLean’s 1972 hit single, “American Pie.”
At the time, the Civil Aeronautics Board blamed the crash on pilot error, with snowy weather as a secondary factor. But now respected New England pilot L.J. Coon has petitioned the National Transportation Safety Board to reopen the case. Citing numerous issues, such as weight and balance calculations, the rate of ascent and descent, fuel gauge readings, and the status of a passenger side rudder pedal, Coon contends that pilot Roger Peterson should be credited for his heroic efforts that fateful day.
Link: NYDailyNews
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