What Happened to the Marshall Plane? Who are the 6 Unidentified Marshall Players? What Caused Marshall Plane Crash?
by Vignesh L
Updated May 26, 2023
What Happened to the Marshall Plane?
On November 14, 1970, tragedy struck when the Marshall University football team's plane crashed. The incident took place near Huntington, West Virginia, USA. The plane, a Southern Airways Flight 932, went down while carrying the Marshall Thundering Herd football team, coaches, staff, fans, and crew members. The team had been returning from a game against the East Carolina Pirates in Greenville, North Carolina. The ill-fated flight was scheduled to land at the Huntington Tri-State Airport.
However, during the landing approach, the plane tragically crashed into a hillside, claiming the lives of all 75 people on board. The crash was attributed to a pilot error that led to the plane descending more than 4,000 feet before reaching the runway. This devastating event remains one of the most significant tragedies in American sports history and had a profound impact on the Marshall University community and the world of collegiate athletics.
To honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the Marshall plane crash, numerous memorials and tributes have been established. These include a granite cenotaph at the Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, a plaque and memorial at Fairfield Stadium, and a Memorial Fountain at the Marshall Memorial Student Center. Additionally, an annual ceremony is held on the anniversary date to pay respects to the victims.
The Marshall University football team persevered through the tragedy, and today, they continue to compete at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The road connecting the stadium to the Spring Hill Cemetery has been renamed the Marshall Memorial Boulevard, serving as a constant reminder of the lives lost.
In remembrance of the Marshall plane crash and to ensure that the legacy of the victims endures, it is essential to support initiatives that promote aviation safety and commemorate the lives lost. Your contribution can make a difference.
Who are the 6 Unidentified Marshall Players?
After the devastating plane crash on November 14, 1970, which tragically took the lives of 75 people, including a significant number of the Marshall University football team, six players from the team remained unidentified. These players, whose names have not been publicly released, were laid to rest together at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, West Virginia. Despite extensive efforts, their identities have yet to be discovered, leaving a somber mystery surrounding their names and personal histories.
The collective resting place of these six unidentified players serves as a solemn reminder of the profound loss experienced by the Marshall University community and the enduring impact of the tragic event. Their memory remains eternally linked with their teammates and all those who perished on that fateful day.
Marshall Plane Crash Site
The Marshall plane crash site is located in Kenova, West Virginia, on the former site of the Tri-State Airport. On November 14, 1970, a Southern Airways DC-9 carrying most of the Marshall University football team crashed into a hillside just two miles from the airport, killing everyone onboard. The team was returning from that day's game, a 17-14 loss to East Carolina University.
The crash was the worst sports-related air tragedy in U.S. history, and it had a profound impact on the Marshall University community and the city of Huntington. In the aftermath of the crash, the university and the community came together to rebuild, and the football team returned to the field the following season.
The team went on to win the 1971 Peach Bowl, and they have since won two more national championships. The Marshall plane crash site is now a memorial to the victims of the crash. The site is located on a hilltop, and it features a large cross and a plaque with the names of the victims. The site is open to the public, and it is a popular place for visitors to pay their respects.
Marshall University Football
Marshall University football holds the distinction of being the varsity football program that represents Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. As an active participant in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, the team competes within the ranks of Conference USA. The football program boasts a rich and illustrious history, but it is also marked by a profound tragedy that unfolded on November 14, 1970.
On that fateful day, a devastating plane crash occurred, claiming the lives of 75 individuals, including the majority of the football team, coaches, and staff. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, the program exhibited remarkable resilience and determination. It underwent a remarkable revival, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Marshall University.
In recent years, the team has achieved notable success, with significant accomplishments including clinching the Conference USA championship in 2014 and 2019. These triumphs serve as testaments to the unwavering dedication and perseverance of the Marshall University football program, which has risen from the depths of tragedy to reclaim its place as a competitive force in collegiate football.
What Caused Marshall Plane Crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the Marshall plane crash was the descent below Minimum Descent Altitude during a non-precision approach under adverse operating conditions, without visual contact with the runway environment.
The NTSB further stated, "The Board has been unable to determine the reason for this [greater] descent, although the two most likely explanations are (a) improper use of cockpit instrumentation data, or (b) an altimetry system error.
"At least one source says that water that had seeped into the plane's altimeter could have thrown off its height readings, leading the pilots to believe the plane was higher than was actually the case. The board made three recommendations as a result of this accident, including recommendations for heads-up displays, ground proximity warning devices, and surveillance and inspection of flight operations.
Is Marshall University Football Team Plane Crash?
Yes, there was a plane crash that killed most of the Marshall University football team on November 14, 1970. The Southern Airways DC-9 carrying the team crashed into a hillside just two miles from the Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia, killing all 75 people on board. The team was returning from that day's game, a 17-14 loss to East Carolina University.
The crash was the worst sports-related air tragedy in U.S. history, and it had a profound impact on the Marshall University community and the city of Huntington. In the aftermath of the crash, the university and the community came together to rebuild, and the football team returned to the field the following season.
The team went on to win the 1971 Peach Bowl, and they have since won two more national championships. The Marshall plane crash site is now a memorial to the victims of the crash. The site is located on a hilltop, and it features a large cross and a plaque with the names of the victims. The site is open to the public, and it is a popular place for visitors to pay their respects.
Marshall Plane Crash Victims List
The horrific disaster of the Marshall University plane crash on November 14, 1970, resulted in the loss of numerous lives. Among the victims were 36 Marshall University football players, whose promising athletic careers were tragically cut short. Additionally, the crash claimed the lives of 9 coaches and administrators who played integral roles in guiding the team.
The devastating toll extended to include 25 fans who had been eagerly supporting their beloved team. Tragically, the aircrew, consisting of 5 members, also perished in the incident. This catastrophic event left no survivors, leaving a profound void in the hearts of all those connected to Marshall University and the wider community. The collective grief and immense loss caused by this tragedy are forever etched in the history of the university and serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
What Happened to the Marshall Plane - FAQs
A: The Marshall University plane crash occurred on November 14, 1970.
A total of 75 people lost their lives in the Marshall University plane crash.
The victims included 36 Marshall University football players, 9 coaches and administrators, 25 fans, and an aircrew of 5
No, there were no survivors from the Marshall University plane crash. It was a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of all on board.