The Marshall Plane Crash of 1970: Investigating the Cause

Date of the Tragedy: November 14, 1970

On that fateful day in 1970, the Marshall University football team and its supporters experienced an unimaginable tragedy. The cause of the Marshall plane crash, which resulted in the loss of all 75 individuals on board, has been meticulously examined to shed light on the events that led to this devastating incident.

Aircraft Involved: Douglas DC-9-31

The ill-fated flight was operated by Southern Airways and utilized a Douglas DC-9-31 aircraft. This commercial jetliner was chosen to transport the Marshall University football team and other passengers on their journey.

Flight Route and Stopovers

The flight’s route began at Kinston Regional Jetport in Kinston, North Carolina, with planned stopovers in Huntington, West Virginia; Hopkinsville, Kentucky; and Alexandria, Louisiana. The final destination was Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the team was scheduled to arrive.

Tragic Cause: Controlled Flight into Terrain

Investigations into the Marshall plane crash revealed that the primary cause was controlled flight into terrain. This aviation term refers to a situation where an aircraft unintentionally collides with the ground or an obstacle due to pilot error or other factors. In this case, the ill-fated flight deviated from its intended course and clipped a stand of trees before crashing into a hillside near the Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia.

The Sports Team on Board: Marshall University Thundering Herd

The Marshall plane crash took a heavy toll on the university’s football team, known as the Thundering Herd. The aircraft was carrying members of the football team, coaching staff, boosters, and other passengers who had traveled to support the team during their game against the East Carolina Pirates.

The Tragic Loss: 75 Lives Taken

Devastatingly, all 75 individuals on board the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. This immense loss sent shockwaves through the community, leaving a profound impact on the university, the families affected, and the entire sports world.

Remembering the Impact

The Marshall plane crash stands as the deadliest tragedy to have affected any sports team in history. It remains an indelible part of Marshall University’s legacy and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of those left behind. The tragic events of that day continue to be remembered and honored by the university and its community.

In conclusion, the Marshall plane crash of 1970 was a devastating event that claimed the lives of 75 individuals, including the members of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team. The cause of the crash was determined to be controlled flight into terrain, a result of pilot error. This tragic incident had a lasting impact on the university and the broader sports community, serving as a somber reminder of the profound impact of such disasters.

Sources:

  1. “Southern Airways Flight 932 – Wikipedia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Airways_Flight_932.
  2. “Marshall, East Carolina Share Enduring Bond from 1970 Plane Crash – ESPN.” ESPN, 26 Jan. 2024, www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38378169/marshall-east-carolina-red-dawson-bond-1970-plane-crash.
  3. “Plane Crash Devastates Marshall University Football Team | November 14, 1970 | HISTORY.” HISTORY, A&E Television Networks, LLC, 26 Jan. 2024, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/plane-crash-devastates-marshall-university.

FAQs

What was the primary cause of the Marshall plane crash?

The primary cause of the Marshall plane crash in 1970 was controlled flight into terrain, which occurred due to pilot error.

How many people were on board the aircraft during the crash?



There were a total of 75 individuals on board the aircraft, including 71 passengers and 4 crew members.

Was the Marshall plane crash the result of a technical malfunction?

No, the crash was not attributed to a technical malfunction. It was determined to be caused by controlled flight into terrain, primarily due to pilot error.

What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?

The aircraft involved in the Marshall plane crash was a Douglas DC-9-31, operated by Southern Airways.

What was the flight route of the ill-fated aircraft?

The flight originated from Kinston Regional Jetport in Kinston, North Carolina, with planned stopovers in Huntington, West Virginia; Hopkinsville, Kentucky; and Alexandria, Louisiana. The final destination was Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Which sports team was on board the aircraft during the crash?



The aircraft was carrying members of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, coaching staff, boosters, and other passengers. They were returning home after a football game against the East Carolina Pirates.

How many lives were lost in the Marshall plane crash?

Unfortunately, all 75 people on board the aircraft lost their lives in the crash.

What is the historical significance of the Marshall plane crash?

The Marshall plane crash is recognized as the worst sports-related air tragedy in U.S. history and the deadliest tragedy to have affected any sports team. Its impact continues to be remembered and serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.