Lynyrd Skynyrd's crash site

This is the exact location where Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed.

It is situated in a rural, wooded area that is roughly 4.5 miles northeast of Gillsburg, Mississippi.

The crash claimed the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant (29), guitarist Steve Gaines (28), and backup singer Cassie Gaines (29). The group's assistant manager, Dean Kilpatrick (28), and two of the pilots were also killed.

On October 20th, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd were flying from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when their chartered aircraft ran out of fuel about 50 miles northeast of their destination.

It is believed that a malfunctioning engine burned through the fuel at a rate that was much higher than normal. It is estimated that this resulted in the premature loss of more than 200 gallons (757 liters) of fuel.

Unfortunately, the pilots' inattention to their fuel levels compounded matters.

By the time they noticed the issue, the plane was flying over a large rural area that was roughly 10 miles away from the closest airport.

Panicked and realizing that they were moments away from losing power, they decided to perform an emergency landing in a nearby open field. However, during the approach, they struggled to maintain altitude.

While they were gliding above the woods, most of the passengers sat frozen in fear as they listened to the sound of branches hitting the exterior of the aircraft. Those who did speak prayed to themselves and hoped for a miracle.

Sadly, the pilots were unable to reach the field.

At exactly 6.52 p.m., the plane struck a tree, broke into pieces, and then tumbled into the swamp area below.

There were six fatalities, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines.

Although twenty passengers survived the impact, many of them were left with serious injuries.

Following the accident, rescue workers struggled to reach the crash site, as it was situated in the middle of a muddy and overgrown area that sat beyond a creek.

Later, it emerged that Lynyrd Skynyrd's backup singer, Cassie Gaines, had initially wanted to travel to Baton Rouge on the band's equipment van.

Shortly before the accident, she and some of the other passengers saw flames coming out of the right engine. This malfunction, which is known as "torching", spooked Cassie so much that she was fearful of getting back on the same aircraft.

However, on the day of the flight, Van Zant and some of the other passengers convinced her to get on board.

Photos

Photos of the site and other related images.

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