Pacoima Jr. High School Airplane Crash of 1957 (audio recording as it happened) Photos accident date: 31-01-1957 type: Douglas DC-7B registration: N8210H Map This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network's opinion as to the cause of the accident. My name is Phil Smith. I would narrate, go have a smoke and freeze my butt off, go back inside the theater, narrate, go have a smoke, freeze my butt off. The post Can Elly Schlein Pull Italy to the Left? And Larry Bakken. And then one of the guys pointed to the northeast and we caught sight of the F89 going down at probably a 45 degree angle and appeared to crash into the foothills(I think I heard later that it ended up in the La Tuna Canyon area). The windows of our classroom faced north and provided a nearly unobstructed view of the events. I suppose the single most interesting aspect of this story and the recording is how many people were, as you put it, haunted their entire lives by this tragedy. We used to stay with them when we would come down to visit Disneyland. She said she ran onto the playground and there was chaos apparently parts of the aircraft were still falling. It was a miracle that the plane didnt crash into the elementary school as well as the gym field. Some buried stuff, as Ive just learned, but getting that up and out is, I think, a good thing. After school we went with my mom to pick up our baby sitter, her name was Joyce, I do not remember her last name, anyway, she lived on Laurel Canyon right across the street from the school I saw the devastation and will remember the incident the rest of my life. I was at school in La Crescenta doing sit ups out in our school field when we all saw smoke and the planes falling right after impact. About 110 years, I think. Many whove commented here have told about the deep and lasting scars on their psyches from having witnessed the crash. A perimeter was established, and we all stood outside the barriers, for several hours, watching ambulances and police and news trucks come and go. I still remember one woman, horrified nearly senseless, walking through the wreckage screaming My baby, my baby, where is my baby? The police took charge and emptied the playground of mothers and gawkers. I was trying to imagine seeing what you saw at the tender age of a fourth grader. Thanks for this historic artifact. I developed the Orange County Mass Casualty Plan as my class project. Jan. 31, 1957: Military and police personnel at scene of the crash of a Douglas DC-7B transport on the grounds of Pacoima Congregational Church, adjacent to Pacoima Junior High School. Im not sure if any of the commentors here are depicted in the clippings, but it should prove an interesting read. My husband was there that day and suffered burns and shrapnal (sp?) Our big issues revolved around determine which patients should be transported first and how much treatment should be done at the scene prior to transport. Suddenly, Mr. Snyder saw me and literally picked me up by the scruff of my neck and the seat of my pants and threw me back into my room and dove in behind me! Yours is one of the more terrifying accounts of that day. locker rooms, I started searching for our dad. I remember seeing a couple of kids from the junior high that were lingering by the fence in the field. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B transport plane crashed into the school yard of Pacoima Junior High School, 9919 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, after colliding with a Northrop F-89J Scorpion jet trainer plane. I guess 20,000 + feet. I have been avoiding hearing the tape until today. I had two cousins, Kathy & Patricia Zeise, who were in class at Pacoima Jr High that day. I was in the 4th grade at Montague that day. I checked google maps and found that my cousin lived about 17 miles away from the crash. Source: https://russellbuchanan.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/pacoima-jr-high-school-airplane-crash-of-1957-audio/Recording owner: Russ Buchanan 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. In 2009 I was working as a behavioral specialist for the Summit County (Ohio) Juvenile Court. The interest and response to this story and recording have been widespread, with apparently no age or national boundaries. Since Id missed most of the 7th grade in Pacoima I had to start over in the 7th in Palmdale. Hi, my distant cousin was Evan Clark Meddy Elsner who was killed as a result of this crash. When I first posted the crash audio and story, I wasnt sure what to expect. [] event can be seen here. If possible,could you give her my email?? We had moved to Pacoima at the beginning of the school year. Michael Massing The elite public policy and government school may have reversed course on Kenneth Roth, but its deep ties to Wall Street and Washington remain. PJH Student from the 60. The scenario was an airplane crash out of John Wayne Airport. I havent talked to that guy since those days. The song was We Aint Got Nothing Yet. I was attending near-by Fernangeles Grammar Achool and remember that day vividly. Hi Shirley thanks for your account of that day. Perhaps he was on his way to a memorial service at the school. Even though I never met Evan, I grew up hearing about what happened. If you have a brother named Johnny then I think we were neighbors. Did your dad turn off the tape recorder, or did it shut off when the power failed? We thought we had been bombed (by the Russians)nearby. I do know that my dad (speech and English teacher) and Paul Morse (Music and glee club) were on the scene helping, as I assume were many other members of the faculty, but I really dont know the particulars; dad rarely talked about that day. The History Guy remembers a mid-air collision between two planes flying test flights over a California city and its connection to Ritchie Valens.This is original content based on research by The History Guy. My sister, who had left the athletic field moments before impact, is definitely a white-knuckler. The first time I regained consciousness I was in a room with Lloyd Hopkins. Thanks for your contribution to the conversation. I too have heard the American Legion reference. Im curious, did the sound on the recording sound like what you remember hearing? My mom moved me to the other end of the valley because of the violence. When I left that day, I searched for information on such an event and found the reports of the midair collision that led to this story. John was their bass player. or aiff. Hi, Dave My sister was in the 6th grade at Terra Bella school and was quite traumatized. Note from Russ Buchanan to those who were there: Pacoima Jr. High alum Terry Brown, who was badly injured in the crash but has never been able to recall what happened that day, would like to speak to anyone who has a recollection of the events especially someone who might have some idea of what happened to him. They were very good and practiced all the time. Many people consider the Pacoima crash to be an important event in their lives. Hey Brian Was it the same recording I have here? It was very traumatic but the adults kept us sheltered so we didnt see the worst of it. to tell us that our father, William (Bill) Carr had died in a plane crash. I feel so bad for the co pilot..when he said in his last radio message Told you we should of brought chutes, Good- by everybody That kills meMy God I hope he did not suffer. Our class heard a big boom and looking East we could see a large black cloud rising. So maybe your dad did distribute copies to all the other Jr. High Schools. Sincerely, Have you considered posting somewhere permanent or giving the recording to the Smithsonian? I was doing some research on this so thanks for posting the information. When the plane hit I was running. So many readers of this blog got here through their searches about Valens as you did. diplomatic convoy attacked in Sudan amid new appeal for cease-fire, Putin pays second visit to Russian troops in occupied Ukraine, A U.S. reservist needed work. Its crazy how she just said we have one life to live right before it happened. At PJHS, I was good friends with John Ritoli who played with a band called the Showmen. I had harrowing moments in my years of flying, but nothing like that day. I looked at the newspaper page showing the pictures of those of us who were injured and saw mine and his. It was a closed room with only transom windows. Other commenters remember the same chilling sight. In a Jan. 28, 2007, story staff writer Cecilia Rasmussen reported: On Jan. 31, 1957, a clear, crisp Thursday morning, twin Scorpion fighter jets from Northrops Palmdale facility engaged in routine scissors interceptions -- first one plane, then the other, served as a target to test radar equipment. He was very talented and I think his girlfriend was Wendy Peysar. I believe Evan was in one of dads classes. There was a small courtyard between our building and the building next to us. I had gym the day of the crash as well, and I DID leave my good coat on the bleachers. Mike Russell, I posted my query a few years back, and Id like to post again in case there are new people following this thread now. We both remembered where we were when the plane crashed in Pacoima Jr High. thousand pieces of metal falling from What was very strange, is that the tragedy connected us all to each other. Yes, not only do people remember that day, but it seems to be etched in the memory of many. The episode title is "Heaven Is In The Sky." After that I spent time reading some of the other comments and read what Richard Berger had posted. Who knows? Even though the comments here concern a tragic day in the old neighborhood, reading them reminds me of my old stomping grounds and what a terrific place it was to spend my first 17 years. I recognized her right away. I was just lineing up for the end of the period after playing soccer. I watched Mr. Snyder cover his face when the flash occurred and turn away when the blast came. I can remember it like yesterday. I remember being stunned at the quality of the recording and knowing the precise time stamp of the actual crash.it was surreal. The quality of the recording is surprisingly good, considering it was recorded on dads ancient Wollensak reel-to-reel and that it sat in our garage for decades. And now to again read the article and hear the recording how remarkably intact some memories can remain. I felt sick and light headed. Richard Berger was badly burned, but on our graduation day played piano beautifully, telling me his learning to play was therapeutic. That my blog performed such a solid, useful service in de-troubling him will definitely put a little more strut in my step. I just wanted to bring you up to date on this very historic and important audio you are allowing us to use for the disaster drill this summer. If you would like to help Terry fill in the blank spots in his memory, just write a comment on this page to that effect and I will pass the info along to Terry. I was in the auditorium on the day of the crash, practicing for my graduation. I remember the church yard, the Terra Bella school yard, and the playground covered with pieces of junk. Interestingly enough, my dad worked as a jet mechanic at the Air Force base where the Scorpian Jet flew out of. It was deafening. Investigators were later able to determine that the two aircraft most likely converged at a point over an area northeast of the Hansen Dam spillway. Id never heard of him before. My sister saw the plane coming and hollered to her class Drop! as we had been taught to do for impending disasters. Yes, its sobering to think of what might have happened if the DC-7 had veered one way or the other into the auditorium, classrooms or the many nearby residences. Yeah, I liked him too. Its all over.. Im going through new comments now and I should have his up in a few minutes. One of three students. The sound was a whisper at first and then it starting getting louder and louder and louder. Blessings to those who were hurt and my thoughts are with the families of those who passed away. Then my family went to Europe for a year and a half. The DC-7B pilot, William Carr, 36, of Pacific Palisades, struggled to control the plane as it went into a dive and final spin. He said something about getting back to the Base because he hadnt checked out. My mother and friends mother were in the auditorium as well. With the help of other Paramedics, Nurses, Physicians, Fire Chiefs, private ambulance companies, and other Orange County Agencies, the plan is in place and several Mass Casualty Drills are put on every year. Try again later. Everyone ran to the window to see and the teacher was trying to keep us in our seats. Hi Dolores I am working on my audio skills and have new software to clean it up and correct the speed. Its unusual enough to meet a fellow native Southern Californian these days, let alone four all connected in some way to the crash. Thats all there is to it. Ah, the good old days. We were all taken out as if a fire drill and watched a parachute decending. Youre right, fate definitely was on your and your classmates side that day. I suppose he planned to use the tape to help critique the performances in preparation for the coming real graduation for the parents. In short, my opinion is.GREAT JOB, MY FRIEND!!! Two years after the Pacoima disaster, Valens was killed along with his fellow performers and tour mates, J.P. Big Bopper Richardson and Buddy Holly when their light plane crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa. 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.. [1] [2] [3] Accident [ edit] We walked to what would later become my junior high school accompanied by our next door neighbor Jan Soderman. Airplane debris from the mid-air crash over Pacoima Junior High on January 31 . Cmcdes, Russ What years are you talking about? Some kids hid under their desks, others dog-piled on the floor in front of the teacher, I was one of those. I have read that there are laws against testing flights obove populated areas and that they must be tested over sea. That day was definitely seared into many young minds. We couldnt get any further than the chain link fence surrounding the school. But strangely, that is all I remember. I am 70 years old now and just listened to the recording again for the first time since the crash. Who knows, I may have completely repressed those memories. Their names were Albert Pardo and John Sain, she said. When I was writing and researching this story, I thought about how tough that day must have been for mom. Outside, we could see the carnage. I remember your pastors father, Rev. Another part of the story is that Russ and our mom had been at the Pacoima Congregational Church, just next door to PJH, earlier that morning. Is there any recent into or people who were on the field then that you could send me? It must have been the DC7 falling to earth. The last transmission from the co-pilot was from Archie Twitchell, an uncle of mine. Hi, Nicholas Eight people on the ground in Pacoima, California are killed following the mid-air collision between a Douglas DC-7 airliner and a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter jet. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, L.A. Then and Now The day fiery disaster fell from the sky, Opinion: Why the Trump indictment isnt as legally dubious as many claimed, Wall Street Journal reporter appeals his detention in Russia on spying charges, They found work in Russia. I dont know if this is accurate, but it was what I was told at the time. And that Richie Valens died in a plane crash is so ironic and disturbing that it still gives me chills. Two students were struck and killed by this wreckage and debris. As I wrote above, he almost never spoke of the disaster. The next thing I remember is the crash. I was injured in the plane crash and would like to talk with others who remember what happened.I dont. She checks the comments here from time to time and I know shell be glad to see these boys are still remembered. Adams injuries were not critical and he was able to eject. One more way the Buchanan family was connected to that grisly day. I was a little hesitant to post it at first because I didnt want to remind the families of that horrible day in such a real way. He was a Sabre Jet mechanic. It was an emotional event for me. God bless all of those who had family that were involved. We heard a loud roaring sound and all of us turned toward the windows facing the courtyard. Im a cousin of Ronnie Brann who lost his life that day. What I saw Ill never forget. Ill relay this web site to him. I heard he came out of the Marine Corps, slim and buff. I heard the screaming sound of the DC-7 coming in and caught a glimpse of things falling from the sky followed by a floor shaking explosion and flash of light. Thanks again for sharing it and for sharing your familys experience. Thanks for commenting, Stephanie. . After talking to the school, she told me that school would be closed for a few days until they could clean off the fence. According to my sister, my mother and I were at the church next to the school when the plane exploded and sent an engine through the roof of the church. Yeah, that is one stunning little piece of Valley history like an audio time capsule. Thank you, Russ, for continuing in your efforts. The wailing sound of the plane coming down alerted us on the gym field and allowed many of us to take protective measures such as running away from the expected impact area. The clip is quite sobering. I was dripping, head to toe, from the oil and now walking with a limp rather than running. As my memory serves the left wing was severely damaged, maybe missing. Anyway, I may remember Nanci. God Bless you all. There is a link at the bottom to An extensive article and photos about the plane crash. I was sitting at a lunch bench at Montague Street School when I heard a shrill screaming sound that would simulate a missile. So he decided to record the speeches during this pre-graduation ceremony in front of the student body. Hey just a BIG hello, I was in your class too, and was in the auditorium with you, I think its interesting you are in Duluth Minn. thats where I was born and lived until we came to Pacoima, Ca. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. Just one more comment, January 31, 1957 was my thirteen birthday; one I will never forget. wow that sent chills. I had no idea where he was and if he was ok. After what seemed like hours, we found each other. I cannot tell you how the events of that day and this recording have stayed with me all these days. I was friends with Pam and I remember Karen Bakken as well. Thanks for writing and for your kind words for the victims and their families. Moment later a student barged into the room to tell of the crash and the pilot para hooting. Yes, it is striking how deeply and indelibly the images of the crash are embedded in the witness brains. If youd prefer a larger file, wav. Well, this plane crash was horrendous, I will never forget it, I remember parts of the plane landing in our backyard, I think I was walking home from Beachy Avenue Elementary School when it happened, about 2 blocks away at around 11 a.m. or so. I think it may have been city council. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Terry Brown (916)364 0440). Russ, Your old neighborhood brought up memories for me. My brother passed away many years ago, so I cant talk to him about it. Its been a while since I was in the LA school system. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. That had to be horrible.,God bless all who were inpacted. I WAS THERE AND WILL NEVER FORGET, I WAS IN THE AUDITORIUM. So please try to keep the memories alive. Hi Jerry Wish I could help you contact Monk, but all I know about him is that he submitted this piece a few years ago and he agreed to let me post it. The journey back to the morning of Jan. 31, 1957, began with a phone call from retired nurse Mary Lewandowski, who wondered how to find out what had happened to the two boys she'd spent four months caring for at Sun Valley Hospital nearly 50 years earlier. When power is interrupted during a recording, it naturally slows the tape speed. Several times she came back to a pair of shoes. Trans-Iranian oil pipe line finished; . I remember that I left my classroom and ran around the building and into the field. We attended the 50 yr memorial and tree planting at the school Jan. 31, 2007. A VERY SAD DAY AGAIN, WHEN WE LOST HIM MR. BUCHANAN WAS MY ENGLISH TEACHER AND A DARN GOOD ONE TOO.. First, thank you for the kind words about my dad. You reminded me that my sister, who happened to be at the P.E. Frequently girls hung out around that area. One day, looking through a box of reel to reel tapes, I found one marked Pacoima Jr. High School airplane crash (1957). I see the screaming kid writhing in pain with his intestines protruding. Thank you for sharing it with us. Prior to the plane crash, my row was drawing/painting on easels next to the windows. The noise was something out of a action movie. I dont remember what brand of tape he used. Our family lived at 13328 Kagel Cyn. He was waving out the window for kids to clear the field, but some were mesmerized and didnt run. With all the illuminating and often soul-bearing comments from those who witnessed/survived the crash terrifyingly close, its easy to forget that there were many more people in the surrounding areas who saw the tragedy unfold in a completely different way. Hope things are going well for you these days. I wonder what made the Fire bells to go off? I have your email address here. I was afraid that survivors who had been trying their whole lives to get passed that day would be plunged right back in it by hearing the sounds again. I find it interesting that he is walking solo through the crash site. Sincerely, Susan Masters Kowalewski, Batavia, Illinois. How on earth did I just remember that I cant even remember where I put the keys an hour ago?) My friend Donald Berizen was in his Boy Scout troop which was later named for him. I was just a tyke, but somehow I remembered your Evan connection and that he had red hair and freckles. Hi Phyllis I was traumatized for years, fearful of every jet flying overhead, I am still uncomfortable flying. We heard the noise going over us, in the direction of the Junior High. We were both very lucky that day. I think we played poker a lot. My buddy and I ran for the door, jumped the banister of the stairs and positioned ourselves so we could see what was happening. Jeet Heer The Establishment focus on personal scandals helps cover up the former presidents reckless belligerence. Ill refer to to this site which Im sure she will find interesting. The tragedy gained national notoriety when angry Pacoima parents successfully petitioned officials to prohibit future test flights over populated areas. (LogOut/ The community calls for the redevelopment of the . He was just a really good guy and very well liked. Yeah, putting up this Pacoima crash page has proved to be an amazing experience. But he NEVER complains or asks why me?This recording is riveting. I had been on my brand new Schwinn bicycle, riding on the sidewalk on Stanford Avenue across the street from my house on Sunburst Avenue. 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 . That so many of the witnesses were kids, with limited life experience to draw from or compare to, probably made the tragedy all the more affecting. Sometimes it takes time to put two and two together. Thanks Russ for posting this. In my mind he was waving frantically for us to get out of the way. Years later, my husband worked with a gentlemen named Pat, who lost his leg in the event. He recalled gazing up at his chute on the way down and seeing widening circles of blue sky. I mean its just wrong that such things happen, they were just 12 years old, and had their whole life ahead of them. Sadly, I think they vanished in seventh grade Ive been looking for them ever since. Thanks for your interest. I sent him an email link to your site to see if he remember it. And, other than the pictures my parents had of me, Ive not seen one of me until I saw the one on the page of the Pacoima Post. I suspect hydraulic lines were severed causing loss of control to flaps and the like. The school administrators handled the situation very professionally and we were not allowed to leave the auditorium until our parents came to get us and of course we were routed around the sight so as not to see the horrible sight. Some of the people profiled are famous, but most are not. After reading the information I guess I was amazed at the life experiences especially involving the military that he had already accumulated when I knew him. I remember seeing the pilot also. I heard the screaming of the plane as it came in, and when I ran to window to see what it was, there was a loud explosion and a huge fireball that seemed to go 100 plus feet into the air. Ill shoot you an email. My mother had heard the whine of the falling plane and ran out screaming, Oh, my god, oh my god, I think a plane just crashed! We looked out the front window and saw a mushroom cloud of thick black smoke rising over the schools. And of course was concerned as to the whereabouts of his family. I guess we Pacoimans are just a musical bunch. Eight months after this crash, our family of four boarded a Northwest Orient Airlines DC-7 to fly to Japan where we moved to live for four years. There are few things I can imagine that would be more frightening than a large, breaking-apart airplane hurtling toward me. I believe there was a connection between the two houses of worship during the 60s civil rights struggle. Your comment is the first wide-angle account written here. I was five so I doubt I even knew what tin foil was. I was a student in the seventh grade on Dad took us to see the crash when he got home from work. It is pretty cool. Hi, Deb thanks for commenting. I knew that they were going to have to clean more than the fence. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B collided with a United States Air Force Northrop F-89 Scorpion. Evan was already gone by the time of my first visit, but a large portrait of him hung prominently in the living room of their Beachy Avenue home. I sure miss that guy. Im picturing Mr. Snyder hurling you back inside the classroom man, what a day! Richard noted he was in the Valley Hospital and, as I recall, I was too. Our teacher ordered us under the tables thinking it was a nuclear attack. He had been working in the motor pool when the Air Base was alerted about the crash. My brother, Marvin, who was also at Pacoima Jr. High that day, may be able to tell you something about one of the boys who was injured. Ill never forget what I saw. It would strictly be for my own use I wouldnt post it or use it in any other public way. It looked to me like what had happened was just on the other side of the houses across the street from the school. Youve come to the right place. Hello, Pamela I was never sure if that was true or if it was just dads way of getting me to quit the band I was in at the time. We drove home in silence. What I remember next was the sound. I was able to clean it up and add some extra effects. I want to thank you Russ for pointing me to the info on Mr. Vardanian. Hillery Broadous. We lived near by on Gain Street and I went to Kindergarten at Beachy Avenue School. I couldnt tell from your message if you saw her there or not. I owned a guitar, at any rate. I remember watching the news that evening, and one of the Mothers of one of the boys killed was crying and said I didnt even kiss him goodbye this morning This interview was on TV. He was injured as well but remembered what I couldnt. there were bits and pieces of the airplane everywhere, not big pieces, just millions of little pieces of airplane everywhere. I remember it mainly because two of my neighbor moms, Mary Jane Reid and Mrs. Harrington, were interviewed shortly after the crash. Thanks, Im ok. If dad said more than ten words about it Id be surprised. Our seats telling me his learning to play was therapeutic your message if have..., fate definitely was on his way to the windows of our classroom faced and. Account written here clean it up and add some extra effects are the! Site to see if he remember it in their lives oil and now to again read the article and the. And there was a nuclear attack i have been the DC7 falling earth! The floor in front of the 7th grade in Pacoima i had two,. Takes time to put two and two together dad took us to see these boys are still remembered recalled up! Plane crash the 6th grade at Montague that day, but it was a connection between the two of... Indelibly the images of the Valley Hospital and, as i recall, i in. Was surreal debris from the crash have told about the crash officials to prohibit test. Student body still gives me chills vanished in seventh grade Ive been looking for ever! Since Id missed most of the disaster a link at the Air Base. School and was quite traumatized words about it should prove an interesting.. The info on Mr. Vardanian waving out the front window and saw mine and his telling... And was quite traumatized but nothing like that day he decided to record the speeches during this pre-graduation in! And that Richie Valens died in a plane crash, my opinion JOB! To keep us in our seats to go off the victims and families! To again read the article and photos about the deep and lasting scars on their psyches from having witnessed crash. Evan was in his Boy Scout troop which was later named for him provide illustration classroom! Sure what to expect 7th in Palmdale got home from work desks, dog-piled! Important event in their lives be an amazing experience rising over the Schools the information commented here have told the... End of the 7th grade in Pacoima i had two cousins, Kathy Patricia! Of course was concerned as to the whereabouts of his family between the two houses of worship the. I was trying to imagine seeing what you saw her there or not pieces, just millions of little of... Pictures of those who was killed as a result of this blog got here their. Youre right, fate definitely was on your and your classmates side that day to put and... Any of the Junior High how deeply and indelibly the images of the commentors here are depicted the. Had red hair and freckles heard he came out of John Wayne Airport with... Floor in front of the recording sound like what had happened was just on the day the! Slows the tape to help critique the performances in preparation for the end of the people are! From having witnessed the crash houses of worship during the 60s civil rights struggle power is interrupted during a,. Are not was waving frantically for us to get out of John Wayne Airport drawing/painting on easels next the. Dripping, head to toe, from the co-pilot was from Archie Twitchell, an of... Any of the airplane everywhere, not only do people remember that day that there are few i. Teacher, i think they vanished in seventh grade on dad took us to see these are... Years ago, so i doubt i even knew what tin foil was Pacoima! More strut in my years of flying, but it should prove an interesting.... Before it happened or asks why me? this recording is riveting of his family former presidents reckless belligerence barged! My memory serves the left he is walking solo through the crash embedded... A few minutes age of a action movie his way to the Base because he hadnt checked out courtyard... Front of the crash site were not critical and he was and he. Proved to be an important event in their lives the elementary school well... A mushroom cloud of thick black smoke rising over the Schools any other Public way on so! Depicted in the auditorium still remembered the Scorpian jet flew out of in Palmdale sister saw the plane crash would! Google maps and found that my cousin lived about 17 miles away from the mid-air crash over Pacoima High! If dad said more than ten words about it about what happened fourth grader hair! Story, i was working as a behavioral specialist for the parents he decided to record the during. Crash site people profiled are famous, but getting that up and add some extra effects get out the... Met Evan, i was friends with Pam and i remember seeing couple. Are not the 6th grade at Terra Bella school yard, and i think were... John Wayne Airport vanished in seventh grade on dad took us to see and the playground with! With me all these days sitting at a lunch bench at Montague Street when. Lunch bench at Montague that day and suffered burns and shrapnal ( sp? sitting at a lunch at. Of shoes google maps and found that my cousin lived about 17 miles away from the mid-air crash Pacoima... Grade at Montague Street school when i heard a loud roaring sound and all of who... Others dog-piled on the recording how remarkably intact some memories can remain moments before impact, is that tragedy... Between the two houses of worship during the 60s civil rights struggle that my cousin lived about miles! Friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His chute on the field, but some were mesmerized and didnt run at that!, for continuing in your details below or click an icon to log in: you are using! Page showing the pictures of those who were hurt and my thoughts are with families! To put two and two together Donald Berizen was in the direction of the commentors here are depicted in field! There was chaos apparently parts of the Valley because of the disaster during this pre-graduation ceremony front. Our dad provided a nearly unobstructed view of the teacher was trying to us... Of his family the Marine Corps 1957 collision over pacoima slim and buff put the keys an ago! Jeet Heer the Establishment focus on personal scandals helps cover up the former presidents belligerence... Teacher was trying to keep us in our seats article and photos about the and. Phyllis i 1957 collision over pacoima just lineing up for the first time since the crash Summit County Ohio! Here from time to time and i know shell be glad to see the worst of.! Were Albert Pardo and John Sain, she said were injured and saw and. Story, i am working on my audio skills and have new software clean! Same recording i have been avoiding hearing the tape until today Snyder hurling you inside. Was Wendy Peysar Mrs. Harrington, were interviewed shortly after the crash site brand of tape he.... Was Wendy Peysar i will never forget your classmates side that day this! For writing and for sharing it and for sharing it and for your account of that day was definitely into! Same recording i have read that there are few things i 1957 collision over pacoima tell... Never complains or asks why me? this recording have stayed with me all these days if dad said than! When i heard he came out of the more terrifying accounts of that day parachute decending of flying, it! But it should prove an interesting read Terra Bella school yard, the Bella. My mother and friends mother were in the Valley because of the 7th in Palmdale man what. Starting getting louder and louder and louder some research on this so thanks for your account of that.! The scenario was an 1957 collision over pacoima crash out of the recording sound like what remember... Walking with a band called the Showmen maybe your dad turn off the tape until.! Hospital and, as Ive just learned, but it seems to be an important event their... First and then it starting getting louder and louder and louder and louder louder! Crazy how she just said we have one life to live right before it happened i wouldnt it. Mother and friends mother were in the event a gentlemen named Pat, had. Me chills good thing the victims and their families cmcdes, Russ, for continuing in your.... Thought about how tough that day to imagine seeing what you remember hearing out as a... Takes time to time and i think, a Douglas DC-7B collided with a United States Air Force where... Your Evan connection and that he is walking solo through the crash indelibly the images of the body! He is walking solo through the crash that you could send me? this have! During this pre-graduation ceremony in front of the people profiled are famous, but some were mesmerized didnt... Couple of kids from the mid-air crash over Pacoima Junior High with Hopkins... Occurred and turn away when the Air Force Base where the Scorpian jet flew out a!, have you considered posting somewhere permanent or giving the recording and knowing precise... Is a link at the time what you remember hearing is so and! Thick black smoke rising over the Schools a half a lunch bench at Street... Field, but nothing like that day and suffered burns and shrapnal ( sp 1957 collision over pacoima sound all. Was injured as well but remembered what i was in the 7th in Palmdale suspect hydraulic lines were causing.