who died from lynyrd skynyrd plane crash

Ultimately, the lawsuits resulted in settlements and agreements, highlighting the need for improved safety regulations in the aviation industry. The victims’ families sued the band’s management company, the pilot’s estate and the manufacturer of the aircraft. The Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash resulted in various legal proceedings. The investigation revealed that the aircraft experienced fuel depletion and complete engine failure as a result of the crew’s negligence in monitoring the fuel supply.įactors that contributed to the fuel depletion included insufficient flight planning and an unspecified engine malfunction in the right engine, leading to excessive fuel consumption and a phenomenon known as ‘torching’. Toward the conclusion of the flight, the twin-engine Convair CV-240 ran out of fuel entirely. The pilots’ lack of awareness of the fuel shortage, combined with the plane’s already compromised state, led to the tragic outcome. MCA Records, Public domain / Wikimedia Investigation and legal consequences Accident investigationįollowing the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB) launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

The losses of Cassie Gaines, Dean Kilpatrick, Walter McCreary, and William John Gray deepened the tragedy yet further. Steve Gaines, an exceptional guitarist, contributed greatly to the band’s sound. Van Zant was a charismatic frontman, known for his powerful vocals and poetic songwriting. The deaths of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines were devastating for the band and their fans. The Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash claimed the lives of several talented individuals. Those killed were lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William John Gray. The impact caused the deaths of six out of the 24 passengers and crew. In a final attempt, pilots opted for an emergency landing in an open field, situated approximately 300 yards (270 meters) away from the eventual crash location, in the vicinity of Gillsburg, Mississippi. At around 6:52 pm the aircraft skimmed along the treetops for about 100 yards (90 meters) before violently colliding with a large tree, causing it to shatter into multiple pieces. However, it became evident that the aircraft would not be able to reach its intended destination.

Who died from lynyrd skynyrd plane crash