The Terrifying, Deadly Plane Crash In Mississippi That Will Never Be Forgotten
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published March 28, 2018
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Overall, rural Mississippi is a rather uneventful place. However, in 1977, Gillsburg, MS made national headlines when Lynyrd Skynyrd’s plane crashed into a wooded area just outside the tiny town. Following the tragic accident, residents quickly sprang into action, helping in any way they could. And though it’s been 40 years, neither the band or first respondents have forgotten the harrowing details of that deadly night.
On October 20, 1977, at about 6:47 pm, a plane chartered by Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed into a remote wooded area just outside of Gillsburg.
Unable to make it to an airport, the pilots were going to try and land in an open field. However, they ran out of gas when they were about 300 yards away.
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Upon impact, the out-of-control plane split into several pieces.
After running out of fuel, the plane skidded along the top of a tree line for about 100 yards. It then hit a tree and broke apart before coming to its final resting place deep in the woods.
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As soon as the plane hit the ground, residents sprang into action.
Despite having several broken ribs, the band’s drummer, Artimus Pyle, was able to crawl from the wreckage and get help. Locals immediately raced to the scene to assist rescue officials.
After hearing about the crash, Wall grabbed a flashlight and hatchet and set out to find the victims. He eventually found the plane and pulled out several trapped survivors.
Because of the crash site’s remote location, rescue attempts were much more difficult.
From clearing pathways through the brush to traversing "swampy snake infested waters," residents were willing to do whatever it took to help pull the victims from the wreckage. They also helped rescue officials build a makeshift triage before transporting victims to the hospital in the beds of their pickup trucks.
Out the plane’s 26 passengers, six were killed immediately.
The victims included the band’s lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist, Steve Gaines, Steve’s sister and backup singer, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager, Dean Kilpatric, Pilot Walter Wiley McCreary, and co-pilot William John Gray.
The ill-fated flight was supposed to be the band’s last on the Convair CV-240.
The older-model plane was "well past its prime," and the band made plans to acquire a new one upon landing. Its condition had long been an issue for Cassie Gaines, who was so scared to fly in the Convair that she usually travelled in the band’s equipment truck. However, she made an exception on October 20th, after her brother convinced her to board the plane. Following the crash, it came out that Aerosmith considered using the plane but wound up turning it down due to "safety concerns."
Watch the video below for firsthand accounts from the local heroes who assisted with rescue efforts.
Do you remember hearing about this plane crash? Did you live near the crash site? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
