Buddy Holly Crash Probe May Be Reopened

The National Transportation Safety Board may be taking a closer look into the plane crash that killed rock pioneer Buddy Holly. On Feb. 3, 1959, a plane carrying Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing everyone on board. The Civil Aeronautics Board ruled the accident occurred due to errors on the part of pilot Roger Petersen. However, the NTSB may decide to re-examine the crash after a petition by L.J. Coon, a former FAA test proctor who says a new investigation could “save lives” and vindicate Petersen. “I believe that the NTSB will review pilot Petersen’s diagnostic actions in the aircraft during this 3.5-minute flight and realize the heroic efforts that took place,” he told The Des Moines Reigster via email. The NTSB has not said for certain that it will reopen the case. “Our cases are never closed, and we get these from time to time,” NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss told the Register.