The TERRIFYING Last Minutes of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Summary

On October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's tour took a tragic turn when their Convair 240 aircraft crashed, claiming the lives of several band members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. Just days after releasing their album *Street Survivors*, the band faced severe mechanical failures during the flight. Despite efforts to land safely, the plane plummeted, resulting in a devastating impact. While some survived with serious injuries, the crash marked a pivotal moment in rock history. The band's legacy continued, but the tragedy foreshadowed further losses in the years to come, cementing Lynyrd Skynyrd as music icons with a haunting story.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Leonard Skynyrd's iconic status was solidified with the release of their album *Street Survivors* just days before the tragedy.
• ✈️ The band rented a Convair 240 airplane for their tour, a choice that would lead to disastrous consequences.
• ⚠️ Previous concerns about the aircraft's safety were raised when Aerosmith declined to rent the same plane due to pilot intoxication.
• 🚀 The flight from Lakeland to Greenville featured warning signs, including sparks from the right engine, which were ignored.
• 😟 Ronnie Van Zant reassured scared band members, unaware that this would be their final flight together.
• ⚠️ The plane crashed while trying to reach an airport after the pilots realized they were running low on fuel.
• 🔥 The crash resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, while many others suffered serious injuries.
• 🏥 Survivors faced chaotic rescue efforts, with some unaware of the fatalities among their bandmates for several days.
• 📝 The National Transportation Safety Board determined the crash was caused by fuel exhaustion and crew inattention.
• 🎶 Leonard Skynyrd's legacy endures, with over 60 albums and more than 30 million copies sold, continuing to resonate with fans across generations.

Q & A

What significant event happened on October 20, 1977, involving Lynyrd Skynyrd?

On October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed, resulting in the deaths of several band members and crew, marking a tragic moment in music history.

What album did Lynyrd Skynyrd release just days before the crash?

The band released their album *Street Survivors* on October 17, 1977, just three days before the crash.

Why did Lynyrd Skynyrd choose to rent a CV 240 dual prop airplane for their tour?

They opted for the CV 240 dual prop airplane to travel more quickly and easily between concert venues, rather than relying on commercial flights or tour buses.

What concerns were raised about the airplane prior to the crash?

Some band members raised concerns about the plane's safety, especially after experiencing issues with the right engine during a previous flight.

What premonition did Ronnie VanZant express regarding his future?

Ronnie VanZant frequently expressed a belief that he would not live to see his 30th birthday, which ultimately came true when he died in the plane crash at the age of 29.

What were the immediate causes of the plane crash as determined by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)?

The NTSB determined that the crash was caused by fuel exhaustion and total loss of power from both engines due to crew inattention to fuel supply.

How many passengers were on board the plane during the crash, and how many survived?

There were 26 passengers on board the plane, but only 20 survived the crash.

What happened to the plane during its final moments before the crash?

The right engine failed, and in an attempt to transfer fuel, the flight crew accidentally jettisoned the remaining fuel, leading to a complete power loss and forcing an emergency landing.

What was the fate of the band members who did not survive the crash?

Ronnie VanZant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, the band's road manager Dean Kilpatrick, and both pilots lost their lives in the crash.

What happened to the band members in the years following the crash?

Several members faced tragic fates, including Alan Collins, who became paralyzed in a car accident, and Leon Wilson, who died from chronic health issues, with the last original member, Gary Rossington, passing away in 2023.