Cause of February 1959 plane crash may be reviewed by NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board has agreed to consider reopening an investigation into what caused a 1959 Iowa plane crash that killed musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson. 

L.J. Coon, a New England pilot, has received confirmation from the NTSB stating it will be taking a new look at The Civil Aeronautics Board finding’s of Sept. 23,1959. That Board ruled pilot error was the cause of the crash. Snow was listed as a secondary cause.

Coon had petitioned the NTSB, saying other factors could have contributed to the event, including weight and balance calculations and the rate of the plane’s climb and descent. 

“I believe that The NTSB will review Pilot Peterson’s diagnostic actions in the aircraft, during this 3.5 minute flight and realize the heroic efforts that took place in those 4.9 miles,” said Coon.

The NTSB has stated it has specialists looking into the information Coon provided, but noted it will take time to review the “cold case.”  The organization hopes to have an initial response to Coon within the next two months about whether his petition meets the criteria to re-open an investigation.  If it does meet the criteria, it can then take six-months to a year to determine if the petition will be granted.