The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is considering a request to reopen the investigation of the Feb. 3, 1959, plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Ritchie Valens.  A letter from L.J. Coon, a retired pilot, FAA test proctor and aircraft dispatcher, may have been enough to prompt the NTSB into taking a second look at “the day the music died,” which was ruled the fault of pilot error by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in 1959.

Coon’s letter contends that other issues may have been involved, such as balance and weight calculations, the rate of the plane’s climb and descent, passenger-side rudder operation and fuel gauge readings. In a return letter to Coon, the NTSB said “you have gotten our attention,” and asked that he allow them time to do their “due diligence in order to give you a proper answer.”

The original conclusion of the CAB’s investigation was that bad weather, combined with mistakes by 21-year-old pilot Roger Peterson, was the cause of the crash of the small plane that was taking the musicians to a concert in Minnesota. The plane crashed in Iowa less than four minutes after takeoff. Coon said that he believes that if the NTSB looks at the evidence they will realize the heroic efforts taken by the pilot during the 4.9 miles of the flight, actions which may have included trying to glide the plane to a safe landing.

Peterson was hired for the flight by the Dwyer Flying Service, and they later faced a lawsuit from Ritchie Valens’ family. Barb Dwyer, who worked at the service, says that she disagrees with Coon, saying “they come out of the woodwork this time of year,” with theories about the crash. Holly has become a legend that brings hoards of fans to the crash site, located 7 miles north of Clear Lake. An annual party is held there on the crash anniversary.

On the night of the crash, light snow was falling and there were gusty winds which obscured the horizon. The accident report shows that the pilot had to rely on flight instruments to navigate, which he was not experienced with.

Coon said that he hopes a re-examination of the evidence will clear the pilot’s name. Holly was 22 at the time of his death. Valens was 17, and Richardson 28. Waylon Jennings would have been on the flight as well, but there were only three seats available and he gave his up to Richardson, who was ill.