February 3, 1959 lives on as The Day The Music Died, and so does speculation over the cause of the airplane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, that killed rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly, the pilot Roger Peterson, and musicians Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. A new petition has now emerged, asking the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to reopen that cold case investigation, according to The Des Moines Register.
On September 23, 1959, the Civil Aeronautics Board ruled that pilot error and weather briefing deficiencies caused the crash. Now a New England man named L. J. Coon -- who described himself as a retired pilot, aircraft dispatcher, and Federal Aviation Administration test proctor -- is looking at several contributing factors that could potentially clear Peterson's name, who also died in the crash at age 21.
The NTSB reportedly responded to Coon's petition saying, "You have gotten our attention," and promised to look into the information he provided them. However, a response regarding the new information could take several weeks and following that up to a year to determine if the petition to reopen the case will be granted.
"Our cases are never closed, and we get these from time to time," NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss told them. "The key is if there is new information not previously considered by the board."
Coon's main objective is to uncover information that could "save lives" in the future and is looking specifically into how control was lost. He suggests that it might have been due to inoperable right side rudder pedals and is also inquiring about fuel-gauge readings because the crash did not cause a fire and no fuel smell was reported at the site. He believes Peterson made heroic efforts to try to land safely.
Several unofficial investigations into the crash have been made and written about since 1959, and the site remains a gathering place for the legions of fans who come there each year to pay their respects. The Surf Ballroom even hosts an annual event commemorating the legacies of those who died.
We'll update you when more information on the pending investigation becomes available.
