On February 2, 1959, an aircraft carrying Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens took off from the Mason City Airport during a snow storm and crashed 4 miles northwest in a corn field.  I am hearing a lot about it lately, as I work at the Mason City Airport, and live just blocks away from the Surf Ballroom where they played what would be their final concert.

That explains the number of Brits that have been coming into here this week.  Buddy Holly was well before my time, but around here it is legend.  Every year they have an annual winter dance like they did then, but this year is the 50th anniversary so its even bigger.  Last night they inducted the Surf Ballroom into the Rock and Roll hall-of-fame, plus rumor has it we can expect some rock celebrities, of the British variety, to make appearances this weeknd

Hagar wrote on Jan 29^th, 2009 at 4:36pm:


One of the possible appearances for this years winter dance.  Another rumor going around is that Jerry Dwyer, who owned the FBO and the aircraft that they chartered, is supposed to be writing a book about that night.  He has always had his own idea of what happened on that flight, legend has it that he still has the aircraft.  I know Jerry personally and have never seen the aircraft, but I do know he doesn't get rid of anything, including many aircraft on our airport that are permanent residents of our ramp.

American Pie

Quote:

Did you write the book of love,
And do you have faith in God above,
If the Bible tells you so?
Do you believe in rock ’n roll,
Can music save your mortal soul,
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?

Well, I know that you’re in love with him
`cause I saw you dancin’ in the gym.
You both kicked off your shoes.
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues.

I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck,
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died.

Well The Crickets have landed so far.  This weekend sounds like it will be a mad rush at the airport.

Sorry, don't have my camera at work today.  I didnt' know who they were until we asked the pilots after they left.  Maybe Monday/Tuesday when everyone is leaving.

beaky wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2009 at 2:55am:

Odd how when someone famous is killed or disappears there's never a simple explanation as with us ordinary folk. The media love these conspiracy theories & the wilder they are the better. What possible reason would anyone in that aircraft have for waving a gun around so soon after take-off?  Perhaps they found a gun in the wreckage. So what? Is not carrying handguns perfectly legal in the US? I don't know about the others but Buddy Holly was from Texas where I believe carrying a gun would be second nature & not even worth mentioning. If this had happened in the UK it might be different.

There was a very interesting tribute on BBC Radio 2 the other night. Lots of memories from family & friends who were there at the time. You can listen to it online from the Crying, Waiting, Hoping link here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/listen/

DaveSims wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2009 at 8:47am:


No, the new AOPA magazine goes into this crash in detail, and says that the pilot was IFR and commercial, had over 700 hours TT and almost 200 hours in type (a Bonanza V35). But you're right about the Sperry attitude indicator, which is what AOPA attributed as the main cause of the crash.