Southern Airways Flight 932 Crash
November 14th, 1970
November 14th, 1970
How Long Ago?
54 years, 4 months, 1 day ago
Location
Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
People
- Jack Lengyel
- Red Dawson
- Kevin W. W. Karp
- John M. Lutz
Links & References
- American football
- Southern Airways Flight 932
- Huntington, West Virginia
- Marshall University
- Marshall Thundering Herd football
Tags
Southern Airways Flight 932 Crash
Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed into a mountain near Huntington, West Virginia, resulting in the deaths of 75 individuals, including 37 members of the Marshall University football team. The plane was on a return flight from a game in Wilmington, North Carolina, when it encountered severe weather conditions and went off course. The incident profoundly impacted the local community and the football program at Marshall University.
Crash caused by severe weather conditions.
All but one passenger perished in the accident.
Involved almost the entire Marshall University football team.
Led to significant changes in aviation safety protocols.
What Happened?
Southern Airways Flight 932 was a domestic flight from Kinston, North Carolina, to Huntington, West Virginia, carrying members of the Marshall University football team, coaches, and supporters, returning from a game against the University of Linden. On the evening of November 14, 1970, the flight encountered poor weather conditions, including heavy fog and rain, leading to a loss of visibility. The aircraft was unable to land safely at Tri-State Airport and instead crashed into a mountainous area near Huntington, resulting in the loss of all but one of the 75 individuals on board. The sole survivor was a flight attendant, who was later found with serious injuries. The crash became one of the deadliest in U.S. aviation history, particularly noting the significant impact on a collegiate sports team. The Marshall University football team was affected deeply, as nearly all players were lost, creating a gap in the program that would take many years to fill. The loss reverberated through the community, igniting both mourning and a subsequent commitment to preserving the memory of the players and the spirit of the program.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Southern Airways Flight 932 played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of Marshall University and its football program. The tragedy led to widespread media coverage and public mourning, prompting memorial efforts both on and off campus. In the aftermath, significant changes were made within the aviation industry, particularly regarding safety protocols to prevent similar accidents. The story of the crash and its impact has been remembered in popular culture, notably through films and documentaries, highlighting the community's resilience and dedication to honoring the memory of those lost.
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