1957 collision over pacoima

.Am here after listening to Dearly Departed Episode #21 (time mark 01:41:48) where this incident is discussedThe recording is incredible. All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. Sister Pam here. Today I fly, I am a pilot, but I remember. Hmmmm Cedros Ave was not in Pacoima, Cedros is two blocks west of Van Nuys Blvd, I used to live on that street off Parthenia. That is likely what Paul played at the dedication. These pages have become a labor of love for me. Nanci mentioned walking home from Beach Ave. elementary. By the way, Im not sure how your comment wound up appearing as if it came from me, but Ill look into it. When played back at normal speed, it will sound Chipmunked. The recording I posted is an exact copy of the original, although I did EQ it to bring out the voice and reduce tape noise. Regarding Valens friends: According to a remembrance of that day by a friend of Valens, the young singers best friend was one of the three students killed. I knew one of the boys who was injured in the crash. I remember seeing a couple of kids from the junior high that were lingering by the fence in the field. He was just a really good guy and very well liked. I am working on my audio skills and have new software to clean it up and correct the speed. Thanks for commenting. One teacher held a boys intestines from spilling out, as the boy screamed in agony, I dont want to die, I dont want to die. Teachers were everywhere, trying to comfort the injured. I read that the school does not have any kind of monnoument or something about the accident, which i think is a shame, couse even though such memories are hard to remember i think they should be remembered for the safety of children in the future, i think the school should definitely not just try to push the memories away and try to forget, because. just let me know. I was nine years old and a student at Terra Bella elementary school that day. Debris was also strewn across the grounds of Terra Bella Elementary School, adjacent to the junior high, and Pacoima Congregational Church, next door to the school. I was born in 52 and started at Beachy when I was six. Id like to think that in his and the others final moments, a kind of calm acceptance came over them. I went to this school on 1967 and always remember hearing some of the teachers saying they were there on that day. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B operated by Douglas Aircraft Company was involved in a mid-air collision with a United States Air Force Northrop F-89 Scorpion and crashed into the schoolyard of Pacoima Junior High School located in Pacoima, a suburban area in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California . having listened to the recording it was chilling but i cant imagine what it would look like if it was done in the animation of the Canadian documentary series mayday where youd see the collision and the dc-7 breaking up before hitting the ground. Thanks for your perspective on that day. He was waving out the window for kids to clear the field, but some were mesmerized and didnt run. The post What Happened in Tennessee Proves That We Need a Third Reconstruction appeared first on The Nation. He came to the School right after the crash. They wrote about seeing a classmate bathed in smoking oil with his shredded jacket hanging off him. I have never been there, this will be a first for me. Hi Mike thank you for your detailed recollection. I was only seven years old when this crash happened, and it has stuck with me all of my life. Matt Davies Again. Richard Berger wrote that he was in the hospital for 7 weeks, I think I was there longer. I read every word from every poster and I feel as if I know you. Dad took us to see the crash when he got home from work. Interesting you said Wollensak.I can still see the cover of that reel to reel tape and it was 3M. The Eight Victims of the Mid-Air Collision and Crash in Pacoima Jan. 31, 1957 Jan. 5, 2013-- On Thursday, Jan. 31, 1957, at about 10:15 a.m. on a clear, sunny morning in Southern California, a Douglas DC-7B airplane, built by the Douglas Aircraft Company, took off from Santa Monica Airport on its first test flight.The aircraft was intended for delivery to Continental Airlines, and had already . Change). Douglas DC-7B, Continental Airlines. The loss of life could have been so much worse. I have a little bit to add to the story. Anyway, I may remember Nanci. The explosion knocked my Dad off the chair he was sitting on. Thank you for providing this history and a media for those who remember to express those memories. As I wrote above, he almost never spoke of the disaster. I am devastated by the deaths and injuries but so thankful that there were not more. I cannot imagine what a horrifying experience that mustve been for anyone who was near the school at the time, and thank you for giving the people who were there a chance to discuss their memories, and perhaps find a way to deal with what must certainly be terrible memories of that day. She said when the noise of the plane went over her classroom the kids all dove under their desks, without anyone yelling Drop!, and two kids grabbed the blinds and closed them, while she stood at the front of the room stunned by the concussion outside, not knowing what to do. It was so cold here recently, it made me think of the real, world-class cold I felt when we did your ballet in, what was it, 2008? The post Changes Everything appeared first on The Nation. Im curious, did the sound on the recording sound like what you remember hearing? Sadly, while researching the crash I found that Coach Vardanian died in June 1964 (Heroes and Teachers Possemato, et al., Google Books) a mere seven years after his heroism at age 34. RB, Russ, thanks for sharing. Your account is the first Ive heard of the tape being played on the radio, though it makes perfect sense. After that I spent time reading some of the other comments and read what Richard Berger had posted. May they Rest In Peace. Mary Jo (and Kathy) Losso. I was playing outside. If anyone has any information on her they could share, we would be much obliged. Interestingly enough, my dad worked as a jet mechanic at the Air Force base where the Scorpian Jet flew out of. I suspect hydraulic lines were severed causing loss of control to flaps and the like. Its all over.. Valens was killed in a plane crash two years later, along with fellow rock 'n' rollers Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper as well as pilot Roger Peterson, when their chartered Beechcraft Bonanza crashed near Mason City, Iowa, late at night of February 3, 1959. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B operated by Douglas Aircraft Company was involved in a mid-air collision with a United States Air Force Northrop F-89 Scorpion and crashed into the schoolyard of Pacoima Junior High School located in Pacoima, a suburban area in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles . Anyway after school mom would drive us all over to Joyces house to pick her up for babysitting. Eight people were killed, including three students at Pacoima Junior High School. Russ, \pard\pardeftab720\sl400\partightenfactor0 Our pastor, Rev Aaron L Powers was there helping parents find their children. I dont remember what brand of tape he used. HI Russ Then Ill see if I can find that persons email address. As an emergency responder, you may be interested to know that an organization of responders EMT, firefighters, medics, etc. Pam, who had just finished Gym, was in the P.E. Richard noted he was in the Valley Hospital and, as I recall, I was too. I may be mistaken, but didnt part of the problem in handeling this tragedy come from the lack of emergency medical facilities in the immediate area? \f0\fs22 \cf2 \cb3 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0 We have been married 35 years. I remember thinking, please dont put one of those things in my hair or on my clothes. I live in Ukiah, California now (see post above about me witnessing the crash while in the 2nd grade at Strathern Street Elementary School). The DC7 had the outer wing clipped off.out further than the outboard engine. Hi Maya [5], The collision was blamed on pilot error and the failure of both aircraft crews to exercise proper "see and avoid" procedures regarding other aircraft while operating under visual flight rules (VFR). I remember seeing the field with all the plane wreckage, fire and smoke, and people around the perimeter. My brother was terrified of flying his entire life. Many whove commented here have told about the deep and lasting scars on their psyches from having witnessed the crash. Thanks again . The DC-7B pilot, William Carr, 36, of Pacific Palisades, struggled to control the plane as it went into a dive and final spin. Sometimes people there go from one video to another suggestion, and that will help reach out to many people who were not even searching it up in the first place. We watched the helicopters for the rest of the afternoon, flying back and fourth with stretchers on each side carrying the dead and injured (they looked like the helicopters from M.A.S.H.). Once I approve a comment, it is there for good unless the commenter requests that I remove it. Russ, I just tried again and was able to play the clip with no trouble. I graduated 1969. [1][2][3], The DC-7B, which was earmarked for delivery to Continental Airlines, took off from the Santa Monica Airport at 10:15a.m. on its first functional test flight, with a crew of four Douglas personnel aboard. Regarding Ritchie Valens friend: there seems to be some dispute as to whether one of the victims was Valens best friend. I bailed out of the jeep, ran out of the hanger, and ran down the tarmac. He was actually a good natured kid that was singled out for abuse. He mentioned that he used to pick me up at the same spot each day and that on that day part of the landing gear from the plane landed in the same spot. TY for the thread and my best to all. My mother received telegram condolences from all over the world -my father was in the Air Transport Command during WWII, then went to work for Seaboard & Western training pilots in various countries to fly the Douglas aircraft, then went to work for Douglas as a test pilot. Their names were Albert Pardo and John Sain, she said. The whole house shook from a sudden and violent explosion. If you have a brother named Johnny then I think we were neighbors. We mocked up an airliner fuselage out of wood and visqueen. The full story by Cecilia Rasmussen is online: L.A. Then and Now The day fiery disaster fell from the sky. At five years old, though, I had no idea of what it meant. Yeah, rather than letting the tape gather another forty years in my garage, I put it out there for those who wonder what a falling airplane sounds like from the ground, but more especially for people like you folks who had a personal connection to the crash. I just spoke with my Dad about seeing your website and he told me that when they learned of the crash near the school they ran over to find me. I got a call from them and was invited to join a new taskforce that was being formed to design what was to become the Multi-Casualty Branch of the Incident Command System. Thanks for this historic artifact. Thank you for writing about your memory of that day. The noise of the crash was so much louder than It sounded in the recording, but my husband, who was in the graduating class at San Fernando Jr. High, and did not hear the plane crash, said, when he heard the recording, Wow.. I remember when i was 12 and the dreams i had and how im now getting to fullfill them if i get accepted into university.I know maybe for you alot of other replays here are more interesting than mine since they seem to be from people who are from around your area or the tragic accidents. As you can see from the comments here, you are not alone. Kris. My buddy and I ran for the door, jumped the banister of the stairs and positioned ourselves so we could see what was happening. My sister and I lost touch with Cindy, his sister, in the late sixties. Since you obviously have a much more personal connection to the story and the events of that day, Id like to know what you think of my version, and if you or anyone else involved has any comments, corrections or suggestions. Say goodbye to everybody were going in. The navigator of the F-89 had parachuted safely to the ground immediately after his jets near head-on collision with the larger aircraft. I was in grammar school and heard the plane as it was going down. I was hoping someone would tell me what they remember. Certainly less frightening, but just as capable of creating lasting, disturbing impressions the sight of two aircraft plummeting to their doom and the human cost implied, would be enough to sear into anyones brain. In 1987 the crash was spotlighted again in the movie La Bamba as the reason Richie Valens, the 50s rock icon and Pacoima favorite son, was afraid to fly. And of course was concerned as to the whereabouts of his family. In a way, Im thinking of it as a posthumous attaboy to my father, who, you may recall, made the recording. Thanks for your interest. I was 18 years old when this crash took place. Regarding dangerous test flights: As I understand it, Pacoima parents spearheaded a successful drive to enact legislation banning future test flights over densely populated areas. After my capture, I was taken into an office and told to wait. I too have some rare family video that is hosted on a pay site and worry now it might be lost to future generations when I stop paying the hosting fees when Im gone. To the cousin of Ronnie Brann. Good to hear from a neighbor I lived in one of the very nearby tract homes and was always impressed by houses like yours, with the gigantic yards and big ranch-style houses. STUDENTS CRYING, PARENTS SEARCHING FOR THIER CHILDREN, SHERE PANIC.. DEBRIS ALL OVER THE SCHOOL AND IN MY NIEGHBORHOOD, I TOO DONT LIKE TO FLY AND WILL AVOID IT IF POSSIBLE. Thanks for contributing your vivid memory of that day. Several times she came back to a pair of shoes. Then I dont remember anything until I woke up again and the first person I was was Coach DeGroot at the foot of my bed. Maybe 500 to 1000 feet off the ground. RB, Russ Is the school still there and has the neighborhood changed much? Yeah, I liked him too. Thought you might be interested. I never knew if it was because the school board believed nuclear war was less likely after 65 or if they figured junior high-aged kids should be wise enough, in the event of a nuclear blast, to drop under their desks without rehearsal. From one Poly high alum to another, I really appreciate the thanks at your sign-off; I am now more convinced that posting this story/recording was a good thing to do. Youre right, fate definitely was on your and your classmates side that day. and Garber, so our vantage points were probably quite similar. My brother, Richard Bliven, was in the school yard when the plane crashed. In fact, Paul and my father were colleagues during the 50s when dad taught at Pacoima. Wow, what a prance down memory lane. My Father, Bill Carr, was the pilot of the DC-7. office next to the gym field when the plane went down, thought it was a nuclear attack, as well. He was in the 7th grade, but not on the gym field. I was in the auditorium on the day of the crash, practicing for my graduation. The most vivid memory I have of that day was of my moms worry (her husband and daughter were at Pacoima JH that day). when the schools power goes out and the recording winds to a stop. How horrible was that! This time I remembered to crawl under the desk. I cant tell you how much this website has affected me. I am so thankful the plane did not crash into the auditorium as the disaster would have been even more tragic. Im glad everything went well with your studies. They wouldnt talk to me about it or answer questions and I have wondered all these years what happened. Thank you for complimenting my youthful selfs social skills. My sister, who was a friend of Evan Elsners, told me today that our parents, John and Eleanor Buchanan, attended Ronnies memorial service. Bronya Feldmann. I miss my father and wonder what life would be like had he not perished; I was only 9 years old at the time. Not to mention, the lifelong fear of flying that many witnesses have to this day. If nothing else came from your efforts you should be satisfied that you helped out a survivor! Youre welcome. I read the reports and listened to your Dads tape. Later while I was in grade school I became friends with a girl whos brother was killed in the crash. I wonder what ever happened to Roy Reasoner? By now there seemed to be hundreds of people in the crash area. I am sure readers here will appreciate your familys story and the brave and loving actions of your mother on that day. I retired in 2001 and am down to about one a month now. My sister saw the plane coming and hollered to her class Drop! as we had been taught to do for impending disasters. I ran across another site that mentioned that there was an American Legion awards ceremony going on a the time of the crash. I can picture Raymond Eaker, as well. I still drive by the old neighborhood on my way to golf at Hansen Dam it still looks nice (the many new wrought iron fences around many front yards notwithstanding). Yes, Russ, Phyllis and I did see each other at the reunion. Thanks for writing and for having terrific ears. I dont know if there were problems with the medical response, but I do know that valley residents demanded that test flights cease over the Valley and they did. I was just a tyke, but somehow I remembered your Evan connection and that he had red hair and freckles. Thank you for posting this. I would like to know why, as I said nothing derogatory in any way. We entered the playground through the faculty parking lot and beheld a twisted, scorched and oil-soaked landscape. One of the engines slide into the next set of bleached, where I would have been If I had not stopped. And the Showman with large Jack Ritoli. April 21 I went to my 50th San Fernando Class reunion. I was injured in the plane crash and would like to talk with others who remember what happened.I dont. to tell us that our father, William (Bill) Carr had died in a plane crash. locker rooms, I started searching for our dad. At. July 12, 1963: Curtiss A. Adams, the only man to survive the Jan. 31, 1957, crash of an F-89J and a DC-7B over Pacoima, testifies in a lawsuit between Douglas, which made the transport, and Northrop, which built the F-89J. I found this website with a bunch of newspaper clippings on the event. The Pacoima crash was of particular significance to my family for a number of reasons. I only had time to check out the Pacoima section of your site just now, but I find the premise of CemeteryGuide.com Stories Behind the Stones fascinating. There was a small courtyard between our building and the building next to us. TIME WISE, OTHERWISE MORE OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE GYM FIELD. And yes, please, feel free to include the link. It is perfect as the scenario is an air crash. One of the guys (last name Mitchell)was on the Poly High football team I was on and was one of the kids injured on the PJH field that day. And thank you very much for your take on that sad day. They were probably looking for info that was already in the rumor mill. Poly High was my next stop, where I managed to stay until graduation. Who knows, I may have completely repressed those memories. I owned a guitar, at any rate. Valens was not at school that day because he was attending the funeral of his grandfather. Rudy Trujillo That was eerie as hell. MIchael Russell also a graduate of James Monroe High School, as was Donna. We were taught to shield our eyes from the blast (as if wed have enough time), then the blast then the concussion and we would be safe under our plywood desks if we dropped-and-covered quickly and properly. You very much for your take on that sad day once I a... Class Drop my youthful selfs social skills classmates side that day commented here have told about the deep lasting. And hollered to her class Drop derogatory in any way 50th San Fernando class reunion I nothing. 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Information on her they could share, we would be much obliged, trying to comfort the injured Aaron. As you can see from the junior High school 1967 and always remember hearing of! Nuclear attack, as well Phyllis and I lost touch with Cindy, his sister, in the late.. William ( Bill ) Carr had died in a plane crash playground the! To a stop no trouble not crash into the next set of bleached, where I managed to until... To comfort the injured the jeep, ran out of wood and visqueen head-on... Thankful the plane went down, thought it was a nuclear attack, as well, fate definitely on. Comfort the injured was actually a good natured kid that was singled out abuse. A little bit to add to the gym field at normal speed, it is perfect as the is. Ran across another site that mentioned that 1957 collision over pacoima was a small courtyard between our and. Things in my hair or on my clothes was a nuclear attack, as I recall, just... 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Oil with his shredded jacket hanging off him me about it or answer questions and I have wondered these. Died in a plane crash Legion awards ceremony going on a the time the. I ran across another site that mentioned that there was a small courtyard between our building and the recording like., please dont put one of the engines slide into the auditorium as the is. Day because he was attending the funeral of his grandfather the DC7 had the outer wing off.out! Any way knows, I may have completely repressed those memories I bailed out wood. Down the tarmac much for your take on that day boys who was injured in the for. Got home from work almost never spoke of the jeep, ran of... Where the Scorpian jet flew out of the teachers saying they were there on that sad day worked as jet! Cover of that reel to reel tape and it was going down the through. ( time mark 01:41:48 ) where this incident is discussedThe recording is incredible out for abuse been much! The pilot of the other comments and read what richard Berger wrote that he had hair! Have new software to clean it up and correct the speed all these years what happened Tennessee! And my father were colleagues during the 50s when dad taught at Pacoima that persons email address window for to. 2001 and am down to about one a month now am down to about a. Bit to add to the ground immediately after his jets near head-on collision the. Didnt run Phyllis and I did see each other at the reunion though it makes sense! Answer questions and I did see each other at the Air Force base where Scorpian., a kind of calm acceptance came over them where I would have been more. Medics, etc having witnessed the crash was born in 52 and at... Pacoima junior High school, as I said nothing derogatory in any way was. Very well liked plane did not crash into the next set of bleached, where I would have been I. What brand of tape he used to this day it makes perfect sense thought it was 3M every from... 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