The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash by Survivor Gene Odom

[iceaxe56]

who is this guy?

[bandersohn]

@iceaxe56 - He was one of Ronnie's BEST FRIENDS, and head of Lynnyrd Skynnyrd's security.

[bandersohn]

The coolest thing is that I still have the box where Gene drew the diagram of the plane. The details in this video combined with Gene's drawing are priceless in my opinion. A part of music history and a huge part of the Lynyrd Skynyrd legacy.

[iloveshonenknife1]

It seems to me that this guy has way too much recollection of a plane crash of an airplane that he was riding on.

Leon says that he doesn't remember anything!

What do you think?

[bandersohn]

@iloveshonenknife1 - I think the brain works in strange and mysterious ways and is unique to each individual human being. I believe Gene remembers this occurrence vividly since it was such a traumatic and life changing experience. I never had the opportunity or pleasure to meet or interview Leon, (by far one of the greatest bassist's of all time) but it may be that he is the type of person who chooses to not remember such a horrible event.

[chilibro]

PLEASE REPLY were Ronnie and Stevie the only ones to die, other than the girl singers and what not

[bandersohn]

@chilibro - There were others according to Gene.

[steviezace]

No time to read all the comments. In the Aerosmith book Walk This Way , Aerosmith's management passed on this plane before Lynyrd rented it cause it was in bad shape

[drdave313]

This is a senior citizen COMPULSIVE LIAR

[Smiley6273]

I am blessed to be in the south(and to have had such a legend so close.I am not a member of the band or the family,as far as I know).But I am sure That They All"who are still with us",would appreciate not hearing us bicker about it........They have all stepped up and GIVEN EVEN MORE FOR US<I am still in mourning for Billy Powell's family...We Owe Them All Respect...And I am not pointing a finger at anyone,Thank You All For everything.May theyRest In Peace.

[GeorgeStrait1986]

♫❤♫❤♫❤♫ Ronnie Van Zant ♫❤♫❤♫❤♫

[samcharlesworth99]

My dad was one of the ones arguing against taking that plane, and he didn't. If he did take that plane i could very well of never been born. What a mind fuck.

[dtm01]

Never got the pleasure of knowing who's guitar it was, it was in a case and all, except that the stage hand said that I had just saved his life !!! Im glad you enjoyed my story ! I had some great times at that place. I was a full time employee from 1975 until 1983 and the who's who of rock played at that place !!!! Rock on Bro !

[bandersohn]

@dtm01 - some of the greatest classic bands and music of all time came from the "75" to "83" era, you are truly lucky and blessed to have been in a place to witness those classics my friend! Cheers!! :-)

[dtm01]

I worked at the Hollywood Sportatorium where they had played a few days earlier and I remember some asshole stealing a guitar and running out the side door with it. I told one of the road crew and we ran after the guy and caught him in the parking lot. The guitar was returned in good shape...the guy ....well....not so good. True story.

[bandersohn]

@dtm01 - it was one thing to get a personal account of what happened on the plane that horrible day by survivor Gene Odom, but it's another thing to have the blessing of getting to hear these other stories that people share here. Had this video not been posted, I would have never had the pleasure of knowing about that day at the Hollywood Sportatorium. Thanks DTM01 for sharing that, I laughed as I pictured it in my mind, thanks for sharing that. Whose guitar was it? :)

[ttocs6975]

it didnt take rembrandt this long to paint the mona lisa

[aliensunderground]

you just know this is how it went down.he remebers like it was yesterday.what a shame

[huskvarsm]

The man is a true hero to carry those images of good friends among twisted rubble and the way cassie died you need to be tough to be able to talk about it.respect to the man.

[viddrome]

Great video and historical documentation.

[lewiske]

I had always heard that Ronnie was in his seat and buckled in, and his seat was catapulted out the front of the plane through a window. Glad Gene's here to set it straight. Maybe the early versions of Ronnie's death were used for insurance purposes or something.

[tinytruckers]

Damn....that is a trip to listen to

[mamasboy815]

I was at the last concert,Greenville memorial auditorium greenville,S.C.1977. We were still partying on top of Paris Mountain when the disk jockey on rock 101 announced the crash. Still makes me sick to think about it!

[princesspinkfloyd]

I have had Skynyrd on my mind lately-I totally believe Gene Odom & his account of that tragic night. His side never changes. He was there & yes-Artimus was there too-but probably drunk& tired & combine that w/shock it sure makes me think his various accounts have been partially fiction.I think that Gene's side is more accurate because he seems so calm,I get a feeling that because of his security position within the band he had to have a clear mind to perform his job-therefore his memory is solid

[princesspinkfloyd]

@princesspinkfloyd as I said I have had Lynyrd Skynyrd on my mind and I have read so much in the last week or so. I also want to add to my comment, my opinion of Billy Powell's accounts of the crash were foggy. Gene Odom's side has me convinced what is the truth. I really want to say I have high regards and respect for the 3 men that walked away from that plane crash, severely injured themselves, to get help for their friends that lie in that wreck. Its just so tragic and epically sad.

[bandersohn]

@princesspinkfloyd - YES, I have to agree with your theory, VERY SOLID!!!

[jiaconis]

Still hard to watch after all these years, however, never have seen a total review of the fatal crash by a survivor of it. Happy to have seen it though, no matter how painful it is to see. On a very minor note, on the sign in back someone misspelled Skynyrd, they only had one "Y" in it. To all those who we lost that terrible night, keep on flying...FreeBird is Forever!!!

[valleydreamin]

I know people have doubted his version of the story before but if this man isn't telling the truth then he should win an Oscar. I have no doubt that he's telling the truth, of course if you talk to survivors of a tragedy there are always as many versions as there are people involved, so it stands to reason there are varying stories. In fact, it seems that when there aren't variations than more doubt is raised because then you wonder what is being covered up. Thank you for sharing.

[storsvensk65]

Gene is a great guy.He and a VanZant family member came to the broken spoke

in daytona oct 15 to check my band out"edge of forever" we are a skynyrd tribute

band.We had a long talk about the plane crash and Skynyrds legacy.He and Scott

are such good guys.

[ConorSomerz]

This sounds more credible at least. Artimus Pyle went on in that documentary how he was such a big hero shaking Ronnies hand and advising everyone what to do.

[ACDC7369]

this video is extremely important. its good to hear another side of the story.

[bandersohn]

@ACDC7369 - I was totally in the right place and the right time. It was an honor to hear this story directly from the lips of a survivor. I have great respect and admiration for anyone that walks away from a plane crash, but especially anyone who remembers and can tell the story like Gene does with others. I was a HUGE Lynyrd Skynyrd fan and was influenced by their southern rock style and writing. It was a sad sad day when we lost some of our Freebirds to that flying machine.

[saudade5373]

who s telling the story bulshit?

[MetallicBill]

Hard to hear with all the shouting...yeah, shouting of wild ppl in the lobby! haha Sorry, but it is a bit confusing, I wonder, why would everyone be in the nose of a crashing plane if they know that's where an impact is likely. Or was their knowledge or fear that the tail end would rip away in a crash and you'd be less likely to get your bearings after landfall? It's pretty interesting.

[valleydreamin]

@MetallicBill Maybe they didn't believe it was really going to crash but my guess is once they realized what was going on they didn't have time to do anything else. Mr. Odom says that the seat belts broke, if they had held then things might have turned out very differently, no doubt at the time they had no other option but to trust the design of the airplane and the expertise of the pilots...and who knows what other factors. Of course, sadly, it's all supposition and doesn't change anything.

[scottocchipinti]

1977 was a tragic year for music Lynyrd Skynyrd died, Elvis died ,and Led Zeppelin cut their tour short due to Karic Plants death and never toured again.

The brighter the star the quicker the burn.

[MetallicBill]

@scottocchipinti Zeppelin were in deed set to tour again, because of a German outing I believe to be followed by a US tour, just before Bonham passed, however

[scottocchipinti]

@MetallicBill That's right they were set to tour in 1980

And then, Bonham died..

[dinkydao]

@scottocchipinti Zeppelin did shows in Copenhagen and Knebworth in 79' and they did a European tour in 1980. They were just about to start their U.S. tour in 80 when Bonzo died. Tickets had been sold for the first leg of the U.S. tour.

[scottocchipinti]

@dinkydao Yeah, I heard that they did a warm up in Europe. I still have my 1980 U.S. tour tickets

[CUDDLES55]

I was interested to see where everyone was on the plane, the exact cause of death was not my main reason for listening. The accident never should have happened.

[amylinnlevi]

Well I think him to be extremely vulgar and rude, however I believe what he says. I did not hear anything that would glorify him, or make him want to change the story. Also I haven't heard any of the other survivors dispute his claims.

[SouthernR0cker4Life]

Sad video.

[mailman32212]

he said he was jettisoned out of the plane under wing completely unconscious ?so how could slap ronnie, see him die ,all that stuff about artimus etc etc ?

[wozjj]

@mailman32212 Are you for real??? listen again... He got him off the plane floor and put him in his seat and slapped him to wake him. THEN the crash happenned and he got flung out. He di NOT say that he saw Ronnie die.

[MrPamelanygard]

I WONDER IF GARY IS HAPPY WITH THIS DETAIL OF THE CRASH,,DONT THINK SO BUT ITS A GOOD POST!

[wozjj]

The NTSB report into the accident 19.6.78 says The probable cause "was fuel exaustion and total loss of power on Both engines due to crew inattention to fuel supply. contributing to the fuel exhaustion were inadequate flight planning and an engine malfunction of undertermined nature in the right engine which resulted in higher than normal fuel consumption. " Thanks, love and respect to you Gene. from Australia.

[catliftresearch]

His story is the same as told to me by one of the other survivors, and there were quite a few as there was twenty one or two persons aboard at the time of the mishap. And yes, Artimus did go for help, and was fired on while approaching a house.

[briandavisradio]

What a great interview ! This is the best version of the crash yet.

Great post ! Thanks so much !

I respect and believe Odom but why the disdain towards Artimus ?

By all accounts Pyle went for help against all odds.

[Godsworse]

Im sorry, maybe im off my rocker! but Gene's story about the crash is very horrifying to me! maybe cause he was there and lived through it, it flows from his tongue with ease. but it choked me up, Jesus poor Cassie, OMG! i just lost a close family teenage friend, and it only seems that good young people get a raw deal!

[dalet63]

I Read Genes book and recommend it to anyone who loves Skynyrd. i couldn't put it down.

[N0rthwestRadio]

Damn... 

[KarmicOmen]

This poor man -- to remember every detail so vividly ... it obviously haunts him still.

[geetarust]

sure wish he wasnt in a crowd of ass holes tryin to talk over each other.shut the fuck up, the mans telling the most interesting story ever told.should have done it outside or somthing.really fucked it up.

[lakelandchief]

I did not understand what he said of what Artimus Pyle's said at first.

[LightenUpMcGraw]

Its hard to listen to with all the annoying chatter from other people, bad place for an interview

[mrceebees14]

That cardboard box is worth something now.

[meangreen69Nova]

In the Behind The Music video, it also says that Ronnie was ejected from the aircraft and sent full force into a tree, which is what killed him. Yet Gene says Ronnie was knocked unconscious and Gary and Allen were thrown on top of him, smothering Ronnie and causing him to suffocate.

[amylinnlevi]

@larryhoward1 Ummm EXCUSE ME Larry, if u listen he says Cassies neck was severed, but it looked like nothing was wrong, so Billy and Gene's statement corroborated...as far as Ronnie he said he smacked his head and went unconcious, but because people and things landed on top of him he couldn't took a breath. Pay attention.

[Crowrocker71]

Thank you so much for sharing this vid. Rip Ronnie and all the others that died that day, you were a legend to all the southern rockers of the world.

[kidsakura37]

I seriously did not know that Lynard Skynard ACTUALLY died in a plane crash, I should start paying closer attention to what people say because they might know what they are talking about

[Gingertappz]

Thank you for posting this amazing video. Gene Odom and the other survivors were so lucky to live. I have read a lot over the years of the crash and Mr. Odom tells the story so calmly and it is quite accurate to what I have read. Thank you for the video!

[bandersohn]

@Gingertappz - thanks. It was great getting to meet Gene and capture him sharing this Story. Truth be told, I believe the guy on the plane who was there, survived, and walked away.  Gene is a great guy, it was an honor meeting him.

[wozjj]

@Gingertappz you are so right! thanks and thanks Gene

[highwaterband]

Skynyrd was and still is my favorite band, I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and still remember the plane crash. I bought street survivors the day it was released here in St Augustine, Fl which was the day before the crash. I believe Mr Odom is recalling the events in an accurate manner as I remember that he was a great friend of the band and has no reason to do otherwise. I still love the band today.

[mrite44]

Hey thanks for posting this, bandersohn. I read Gene's book sometime back... it was a very good read. Add me to the list of people who believe Gene's account to be the most accurate... nice to have a voice to match the words in the book... again... Thanks for posting :-)

[bluegrassman776]

who was the guy gene referrs to as the guy who would not help, he said that one guy would not help anyone , that he went over and squatted in some brush and waited and didn't help, was that one the pilots or who, anyone

[808pb]

Can't hear him. Just a bunch of chatter.

[GBeret83]

JohnFlorida62, In a radio interview with radio D.J. "Red Beard" Gary Rossington said the same exact thing. I still have it on cassette. He said that when the first engine shut down, one of the pilots, trying to switch the remaining fuel to the one working engine, panicked and dumped all of the remaining fuel. Seconds later the second engine shut down and they coasted down and crashed into the swamp. He said the survivors lived because the plane didn't explode. It was out of fuel.

[RPMCanes]

@GBeret83

Rossington has got to be the luckiest son-of-a-bitch on the face of the Earth. The guy survives a plane dropping out from under him, broke almost every bone in his body, AND quintuple bypass surgery. I'd like to have him follow me around the casino sometime!

[JohnFlorida62]

It had been reported that the pilot inadvertently (accidently) hit a switch and dumped the fuel.

[wozjj]

@JohnFlorida62 conjectuere only

[steveb234]

That's how it happened people. The plane ran out of gas.

[forest1974]

I had always heard that RVZ died of a small puncture wound to the side of his head.

[bandersohn]

@forest1974 I have heard many stories, but since Gene Odum was there on the plane, and walked away from it, I strongly believe he has no reason to make any of this up.

[eliasbennis]

@forest1974 aka blunt-trauma

[tittyj2020]

he hit his head on a tree and crushed his skull

[wozjj]

@tittyj2020 bullshit

[tittyj2020]

@wozjj that's what happened...read the reports mf

[jimiboosh]

@tittyj2020 Oh man I have a copy of the NTSB report and others...

[tittyj2020]

@jimiboosh Well ain't you just a high-tech redneck

[RPMCanes]

@forest1974

I think that's what the autopsy report said.

[joshzelmer]

@forest1974 VH1 behind the music: lynyrd skynyrd

[suprscooter]

I can with all my heart say that everything He has said is the truth!!! He is my Father and he has never drank or smoked or done drugs so I would say he out of anyone would remember the details to that night!! He is one of the most amazing Men and I am proud to call him my Dad, he has always done everything for Me and My Kids and would give a stranger the shirt off his back! I.. I love you Daddy, Love Christy...

[bandersohn]

@suprscooter Christy - I'm honored that you watched my video interview with your Dad and feel privileged to have your comment here. I totally agree with everything you said about your father, he's a great man and I feel blessed to know him, and now you as well. Thanks again Christy. :-))

[kevinsmithism]

@suprscooter  i know him and he is a great person!!!

[sandyRndisco1]

@suprscooter Oh how sweet you are! I can see the pain in his eyes as he retells the story. I loved L.S. and what a tragedy it was. God Bless you for retelling this horrific story of what happenend to the beloved L.S. they will never be forgotten. God Bless you Gene Odom may God be with you and comfort you!

[joediver1119]

@suprscooter I too believe EVERY word your Dad says about the crash. Over 30 years and his account has never changed, not to mention fitting perfectly with the NTSB report. I'm willing to bet that, considering his job, he was pretty aware of what was going on around everyone more often than not so his credibility stands firm in my eyes. Ronnie was, and still is very lucky have such a true 'brother' looking out for him even after all these years. God bless your father.

[joediver1119]

@joediver1119 P.S. I once emailed your father concerning a question I had (i honestly can't remember what exactly) and about two hours latyer had a response. Class act all the way and I hope he can finally convince someone (Cameron Crowe?) that the Lynyrd Skynyrd story is an Oscar worthy potential movie. It's a true AMERICAN story of triumph and tragedy with a legendary central figure.

[MEDINAHSHRINER]

I was going to see the Band in Concert I think I was on I-24 heading to Clarksville Tn. in 1977. The driver of my car was stopped for speeding. I suppose of of us in the South at that time were living life to fast. More so when that plane crashed. I am sure it changed my life. WHo cares how the story goes it was a tradgic thing. Thats all Gene is lucky he was flying economy.

[sandyRNdisco]

How tragic for L.S band. One of the best ever! I believe Gene's account. I can see the pain in his eyes as he retells this tragedy. This must be devastating to live with this nightmare! God bless you, and we still love you L.S.!

[0121ryanh117]

Why would he lie?

[bettset]

correct me where i'm wrong--did gene back up billy's account of how cassie died at the 8:20 mark of this video? it sounded similiar to what billy had said on vh1. i know billy later said he misspoke. i know this is all sensitive stuff, there are hard feelings in some camps on the matter. this was all a shame it ever happened. i know gene is trying to set the record straight. that had to be hard to look at after the crash. this appeared to be a very good account of how it happened.

[bandersohn]

@bettset - Thanks for taking the time to watch this and comment. I was fortunate to be in Laughlin Nevada where I met Gene and had the opportunity to shoot this video, but unfortunately, your question is one I believe only Gene can answer. So Gene, if you're following the comments on this video, I'm passing the ball over to you my friend. Thanks. :-)

[GAMER0995]

@bettset On vH1 Billy Powell said Cassie's throat was cut from ear to ear. So what Gene said here is right, I think.

[lipserviceme]

Very interesting video.

[beowulven]

Gene Odom is the ONLY person in the Skynyrd camp that tells the truth all of the time.

[LBjim]

Yes, it seems like it..

[acdc8989]

i meet him at my school if u look in the book and see the name brenda branda thats mt teacther

[bandersohn]

That's awesome acdc8989. We just left a couple shows, one in Reno at Harrahs and One in Bakersfield. We had Gene along with us for the two shows. He has so many great stories to share and is just an all around great guy to be with. Thanks Gene for taking time out to travel with us, we always welcome and enjoy your company. :-)

[skynyrd469]

this is the first time I have ever seen this.

The only book I have ever read was The Freebirds Of Southern Rock, by Gene Odem, I have a tribute page on myspace and Facebook for Steve and Cassie, the myspace one is better looking but all the heart is right there.

I Love You gene for being who you are, I would love to meet you before I die my friend, my mother just passed and I am getting my memories together...

Thank you for this remarkable vid and God Bless PEACE and LOVE ALWAYS,

Doug Wood

[bandersohn]

Hey Doug - what a great comment to Gene.  I hope you will get to meet him someday, he is a great and fascinating man. I was fortunate to be at this Skynnyn Lynnyrd gig to catch his story on video to be shared here. Thanks for watching and I wish you all the best in your every endeavor. Rockin on Southern style. Brad :-)

[omerliber]

guys you need to remember that only 2 people

from skynard lynard are alive!

[ijzerdraad93]

Who?

[rreac]

Gary Rossington, Ed King, Artimus Pyle and Bob Burns. Thats Four. Rossington is the only one in the current lineup.

[JustCallMeHollywood]

I'm speechless, re-living the whole Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. What a tragedy.

Thanks for sharing this rock 'n roll document with the world, Bandersohn.

[SnippyLipz]

Nicely done Brad.

[bandersohn]

Thanks Buddy, it was an honor to be in the right place at the right time to hear Gene Odoms story and see his diagrams of what went down that day.

An incredible story I'll never forget.