Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Flight Metal Detecting Recovery

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Lynyrd Skynyrd's Last Flight Metal Detecting Recovery is our latest video where we recovered relics from the best classic rock band in Southern Rock history. The flight went down on October 20, 1977 and took with it Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick. It would be remiss to not remember the pilot and co-pilot who lost their lives in this tragedy, as well. Lynyrd Skynyrd had multiple hit southern rock classics such as Free bird, Sweet Home Alabama, and Tuesday's Gone. ⚠️ At the request of the landowner, we are to advise anyone attempting to trespass on this site WILL be arrested. It is posted property and it is monitored by cameras at all times. ⚠️
We recovered multiple relics and coins related directly to the plane as well as items that may have been used by the band. During this dig, we used Minelab Equinox 800 detector and CTX 3030 metal detector to recover items that haven't been seen since that evening.
The History Seekers treat all of their sites with the utmost respect. While this site yielded relics that were truly a find of a lifetime, it was also special for one of our members. Kelly was born on October 20, 1977, the day of the crash. Her dad was a huge fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd and this experience was truly special for her.
The History Seekers never sell any of their relics and that remains true in the case of this dig. It is our goal to bring these items to places that will showcase these pieces of Rock N Roll History.
Stay tuned for an upcoming article in American Digger Magazine and an additional UnCut version of the video where you can see all the relics and footage from this dig.
Here is the UNCUT part 1 - • Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane C...
Here is the UNCUT part 2 - • Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane C...
For more information about the metal detectors that we use see these Treasure Mountain Metal Detector links:
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#lynyrdskynyrd #metaldetecting #documentary
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Music:
Skinny Leonard by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

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@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

At the request of the landowner: This land is posted and trespassers WILL be prosecuted. It is monitored by cameras at all times. Also an update on the beer can. A tax stamp was found from Florida. So this can originally was purchased in Florida and likely the stop the band made just prior to Greenville. Here is UNCUT part 1 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eq13hdOFqdKbhGQ.html Here is UNCUT part 2 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pJ9khLuJlcWYdH0.html Minelab CTX 3030 - treasuremtndetectors.com/history-seekers-package-minelab-ctx-3030-metal-detector-with-free-gear/ Minelab Equinox 800 - treasuremtndetectors.com/history-seekers-package-minelab-equinox-800-metal-detector-with-free-gear/ History Seekers Shirts - detectees.onlineweb.shop/History_Seekers/p5708246_18943415.aspx Our Amazon Influencer store: www.amazon.com/shop/historyseekers

@bluelady107 4 жыл бұрын

Oklahoma Rocks Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ty. Cool find.

@stumpyshawnstump5010 4 жыл бұрын

@Bella Joy Siberians = Donna Stump my Wifey..

@rickyb2200 4 жыл бұрын

I've been detecting over 45 years , I'm in my 60's now and still love detecting. And I love watching you guys and gals detecting to . History Seekers is my favorite y'all keep it real and exciting. Keep up the good work.

@kendalltotten2844 4 жыл бұрын

Would love an upgrade from my Garrett GTI 2500.

@j.r.digging-it-back7356 4 жыл бұрын

I need that Nox

@jimconner1957 4 жыл бұрын

My then best friend worked at the Miami Oklahoma airport and I knew this plane had landed. When I got there my friend was fueling the plane. As he got down from the wing two limo's pulled up at the back of the plane. I was standing at the stairs that went up to the plane. Steve Gaines and Ronnie Van Zant came up to me, stopped and we spoke for a few minutes, mainly about Miami and where they were headed. Cassie got out of her limo and comes up and says "hello" to me and goes up the stairs with the rest of them. As the stairs rose back up into the bottom of the plane, Steve Gaines came back to the top of the stairs and waved goodbye. I was the last person in Miami Oklahoma to see them alive. Not proud of that but it is part of my history.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

That is incredible. We all have those experiences in life that make us unique and that is your little special piece of history with Ronnie Van Zant, Steve and Cassie Gaines. If you know of a library, museum or protected place at the airport that would like to display the items, please reach out to us. We would be honored to loan them to the Gaines hometown for an exhibit. underwoodkj@yahoo.com

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

WOW Jim! Such a powerful story!

@thesoonerstatediggers1262 4 жыл бұрын

I live in Miami. My sister was good friends with most of the band members. Ronnie Brooks was an original band member but chose to stay home with his family instead of being a part of the traveling band. I used to go over to his house and listen to stories about the band.

@mikerobinson938 4 жыл бұрын

Are you saying Ronnie Brooks was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd??

@thesoonerstatediggers1262 4 жыл бұрын

@@mikerobinson938 He was before they went big. Probably even before Ronnie joined.

@sadiee4313 4 жыл бұрын

That beer can you found might be from the adjoining property owner. He helped get all of them out of the plane, both survivors and the deceased. It took him 25 years to go back. When he was finally able, he would go late in the evening and bring two beers with him. He would drink one and set it down then leave one for Ronnie.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We checked into that. If you will notice in our community section we posted a picture of the can. We found a Florida tax stamp. So unless he went to Florida for a beer run then buried it under crash debris. we think its unlikely. We did however find bush beer cans from MS that we do think were left by someone else. They were on top of the ground and opened. If you have trouble finding the picture from the FL marked can let me know I can post a direct link for you. We were also able to confirm the can was from Florida via the stamp and verified by Budweiser. As to who purchased the beer in Florida and had it on the plane will likely never be solved.

@sadiee4313 4 жыл бұрын

History Seekers This video was in my recommended so I didn’t think to check your community section. I will definitely check it out, though. I just watched the video where the survivors retell their experiences. In the video, Bobby, the adjoining property owner, tells his story. That’s where I got that idea from. Thank you so much for the information!

@rpmcmurphy214 Жыл бұрын

If it took him 25 years after the accident to go back, then he didn't bring that beer can. Ring tabs were long gone by 2002.

@violet1179 4 жыл бұрын

I was born in 1979. My mom and dad (may they rest in peace) were 15 and 22 at the time of the crash and were huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fans. They always talked about them, their music and the crash. They even took me and my older sister to visit their graves. I wish mom and dad could have seen this video. It surely made my year. 😄

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Melissa thank you for sharing this with us. I wish they could have seen it too.

@mikeshell1166 2 жыл бұрын

The plane was in the town I live in, Brookhaven MS. It was behind a 6 foot chain link fence. There are a lot of people that have giant parts of the plane here. The American Flag emblem on the tail section was cut off with a torch. The plane was right across the road from The Woodman of the World building that had dances on Friday nights where the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd was played every Friday night. The wreckage of the plane was haunting to see!!!

@rv6205 Жыл бұрын

how long did it stay there ?.

@mikeshell1166 Жыл бұрын

@@rv6205it was there till 1984 or 85

@melodymakermark Жыл бұрын

Ahh, Brookhaven. That used to be one of my rest stops on the way to the Big Easy. Wish I’d known it was there.

@6412mars 4 жыл бұрын

I was 17 yrs old... I saw them twice..75/76...bought street survivors album and tape 18th Oct...had tickets to see them again in December..I was a Tough guy street fighter..i cried and i cried unashamedly...My heart was and still is broken...This right here was the day the music died for me...Rip Ronnie/Steve/Cassie/Allen/Billy/Leon..Best Band Ever!!!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

They were the best band for sure. Thank you for sharing your memory.

@brians.palmer57 4 жыл бұрын

As a huge Skynyrd fan I found this video fascinating! RIP Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and Dean!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Brian. We just hope it will keep their memory alive as well as the pilot Walter McCreary and William Gray. So many forget them. Mr. Gray was also an a veteran that served during the Vietnam era.

@nathueil1 4 жыл бұрын

"If i leave here tommorrow would you still remember me?"... Yes Ronnie!, we remember all of you who should still be here today!😥

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

you are exactly right. I actually said those exact same words when I finished editing this video.

@COINSINPOCKET 4 жыл бұрын

Amen..I saw them in Philadelphia during their tour leading up to the crash..so sad.

@COINSINPOCKET 4 жыл бұрын

@Dan Thomas that's cool.little did we know that was their final tour..

@COINSINPOCKET 4 жыл бұрын

@Dan Thomas I had the album with the flames all around them.wish i had it now..

@COINSINPOCKET 4 жыл бұрын

@Dan Thomas it's worth alot of money

@glennh.2573 4 жыл бұрын

My brother and his friends went to the site only a couple of years after they found a lot of coins,dimes,nickles, and quarters pieces of the plane and part of the instrument panel with a wire still attached. But the best thing was half of Leon's sunglasses identical to the glasses he's wearing on the inside picture of street survivors album.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Wow!!!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We just released a follow up video from our second trip there and we found more items missed by NTSB investigators. Here is the link to the new video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72kp5eJzNa1pI0.html

@scottbashaw1761 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers what are ya all doing with these items found at the site? Hopefully going to family members and museums

@TheMercury-13 3 жыл бұрын

They've stated a few times that they're donating them - but what about the guys who found 'half of Leon's sunglasses'?!

@davehopkins9358 3 жыл бұрын

What, no teeth? Grave digging vermin.

@jladams61 4 жыл бұрын

In 77 I was 16 living in Lake County Florida. I was listening to WORJ out of Orlando when they announced that Skynyrd had gone down. I didn't sleep that night--- at all. Was a Skynyrd listener since the first album came...still am to this day. They inspired me to pick up the guitar and been playing ever since. The day Ed King passed I bought an SG and the first song I played on it was Sweet Home Alabama since that was the axe Ed composed it on. Watching y'all find these pieces from the crash...well honestly, it choked me up. For those of us that grew up in Florida in the 70's felt a kinship with The Boys From Jacksonville. It was like we lost family that night. I could go on for hours and days talking Skynyrd... Y'all take good care of those pieces you found!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that Jeff!

@jameseagon1142 4 жыл бұрын

I live in lake county Florida as well. I remember that day. I also live 2 miles from where Randy Rhodes crashed now. RIP to all.

@garyunsworth726 4 жыл бұрын

I'm from the North East of England, Newcastle Upon Tyne and I love Skynyrd as well as thousands and thousands of others from Newcastle do, I'm 47 years old and have loved Skynyrd since I first heard Freebird back in 1980

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We just released a follow up video from our second trip there and we found more items missed by NTSB investigators. Here is the link to the new video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72kp5eJzNa1pI0.html

@jladams61 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers I just watched your follow up video. Like the first one it was both interesting from an 'archeological' standpoint and quite emotional too. I would like to visit the site someday and maybe find a memento that I would treasure the rest of my life, but I doubt I'll ever make it there. Such is life, but we have the treasured memories, don't we....

@timlewis6777 2 жыл бұрын

This stuff needs to be in a museum so much history

@HistorySeekers 2 жыл бұрын

we agree

@steveedwards1072 4 жыл бұрын

I applaud ALL of you for history AND not to sell! I have the utmost respect for this.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

thank you Steve!

@mikeabner0511 3 жыл бұрын

I saw them in concert in memphis TN on July 4th of 1976. ZZ Top was the headliner but Skynyrd blew everybody away. It was the best concert I've ever been to.

@kathyelliott1606 2 жыл бұрын

i was there too! any photos or recordings from it? i traveled from NY to it.

@stevehall8648 Жыл бұрын

wow, your old as hell

@wildestcowboy2668 Жыл бұрын

@@kathyelliott1606 that's a lie

@TheJpep2424 Жыл бұрын

@@wildestcowboy2668 you're a liar

@patrickfoster4586 3 жыл бұрын

I found the beer can most intriguing. The idea that it was in Lynyrd Skynyrd's airplane refrigerator before crashing, it leaking it's contents at about the exact same time Robbie, Steve, Dean and the 2 pilots died (Cassie didn't die immediately as the others did but rather she died awaiting EMS) and then spent about 40 years buried in the Mississippi backwoods before being unearthed here. Incredible!

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. We have another video on the channel where we went back a few months later and found even more stuff.

@edwardhenry3158 2 жыл бұрын

What the hell are you talking about you don’t know what you’re talking about

@jbolf6 4 жыл бұрын

As a life long Skynyrd fan (I'm 66) I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Seeing those aircraft parts is a haunting reminder of that tragic day when young lives were lost. Great video Heath

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

You are exactly right. We got chills when we dug some of these items.

@THEATREofPAIN270 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent dig. Found so much left behind. All treasures. Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd 🇺🇸

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

We were surprised we found anything honestly. It was a great honor to be at the site. We can't wait to share it with the public 😀

@THEATREofPAIN270 4 жыл бұрын

@@kellyhistoryseekers3090 As I am surprised anything was left behind. I personally like the beer can find. Amazing. I was hoping someone would find a playing card. 👍

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Man we said the same thing about the cards. Most likely long since gone. We all went with zero expectations of finding anything after the FAA / NTSB said they recovered everything and 42 years of people going out there. You just never know.

@THEATREofPAIN270 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers Nice. I say you all hit the jackpot. Liked, Subbed & Hit The Bell 👍

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel! Glad to have you as a subscriber.

@johneiermannDigginFLA 4 жыл бұрын

That tree should never be removed. SKYNYRD NATION

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We agree.

@quickb.8536 3 жыл бұрын

I know where a very large piece of this plane are. It is still very close to the site where it was taken less than 48 hours following the crash. We were chased out of the woods/swamp by the cops. All of us took a piece but I only know where 1 of those pieces are. It appears to be an outter aluminum riveted part of the wing. It's in Tylertown, MS where it has been stored since that day.

@eddielane9569 3 жыл бұрын

Lynyrd Skynyrd is got to be one of the top 10 rock groups of all time probably in the top five as far as my taste goes. The man that's been singing for the group after the group came back from the crash does a tremendous job just like the first one. I'm so happy that we can listen to records and CDs and tapes of that bygone era today. I was in the seventh grade when they died and vaguely remember the incident but as the years went by I became a big fan of theirs especially in my later years in high school.

@wildestcowboy2668 Жыл бұрын

It's Ronny's younger brother that sings now. Johnny van zant is his name sir!

@axltherottweiler6025 Жыл бұрын

Hi from Texas! I was 11 years old when the crash happened. 6th grade I believe. My older sister had gotten 2nd helping about a week before the crash. We listened to it several times and I loved it. Even at that age I felt a profound sense of loss. They were one of the main reasons I started listening to rock music! Good to hear others were as moved as I was!!!

@williambrown6721 3 жыл бұрын

Thumbs up! ..to you guys that are a big part of saving history...Lynyrd Skynyrd was!! And still is one of my favorite bands. And I have always looked up to Johny and rest of the band for keeping the Skynyrd band alive all these years..im sure all of the artifacts that are recover are in very good hands.thanks again...

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kathyrais574 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched probably every live concert footage on U tube. Billy Powel often had a Budweiser cab sitting on top of his piano. At one concert, want to say Asbury park Ronnie took a drink out of can, it was night so you couldn't tell but Ronnie held it uo & said this concert briught to you by Budweiser King of Beer. It wasn't a plug, he was just makin a joke, he lived his Buds. For historical purposes I find this video fascinating but made me want to cry, just like every time I think abt it. One of the best Rock bands & most underrated of all time!

@stuartb9323 4 жыл бұрын

I was 17 when I went to their show in Asbury Park Nj, July 1977. We packed 9 people in my 72 firebird formula going to the concert ! Oh man, we had a blast that day. I couldn't believe the news about the crash. Their music was a big part of my life growing up. Thanks for the video

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

What a great memory! Mine was in 1995 going to Lollapalooza. Glad you liked the video.

@stuartb9323 4 жыл бұрын

Kelly Dzemske Thanks Kelly...your hot show sounds like a blast too. btw...HAPPY BELATED B-DAY : )

@cathywhite9415 Жыл бұрын

I was at their July 2, 1977 show at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, the place was packed!!! It was an awesome show, good times with great friends, I'll never forget that day!!! I must have cried 😭 all day when we heard about the crash. Such a tragic loss of some fantastic people. And yes Ronnie, you had to leave us but yes...we will still remember you. RIP 🙏🕯🕊 Ronnie Van Zant Steve Gaines Cassie Gaines Dean Kilpatrick Fly high Freebirds 🕊🕊🕊🕊 🎶🎸🎤

@gregarnette4698 4 жыл бұрын

That was such a sad day for millions of people around the world.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

You are correct Greg. We have had so many stories of people remembering where they were when they heard the news. We hope that the items being displayed will help preserve their memories.

@gregarnette4698 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers Thanks for doing this.

@kentbeery4697 4 жыл бұрын

That Beer Can was the find of the day because it was property of the Band

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@thechitownhustler 4 жыл бұрын

Probably not. Explained here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hdFzY8yCr76UoGQ.html

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

@Chitown Hustler we were concerned about that too. When we cleaned it off we found something seems to point to it not having been left there by him. That is the fact it was from Florida. Here is the top of the beer stamped Florida. Here is that post in our community section. kzfaq.info/love/5iPVh8ORRfe1iLVQn4qCtwcommunity?lb=Ugxdg3tu2wsaFjEwCFR4AaABCQ

@meauxjeaux431 4 жыл бұрын

@Michelle Green NOPE, it was a chartered plane.

@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645 4 жыл бұрын

@@meauxjeaux431 it was Convair CV-240 purchased by the band for touring. A chartered flight just means it's not the usual flight path a commercial flight would take. Also the custom paint job on the nose is kinda dead give away 😂

@EM-fd8xe Жыл бұрын

I can't believe they scrapped the entire plane! That was such a huge part of music history!

@nirtlocj 3 жыл бұрын

I am a metal detectorist and very much appreciate how you're using the metal detecting hobby to preserve history.

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@stumpyshawnstump5010 4 жыл бұрын

This was Awesome! It was honestly worth the wait. I hope you all are asked to come and uncover future sites like this one..

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We will for sure!

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

How many times have you watched it now 😂🤣🤪 So glad you are enjoying the video 😀

@stumpyshawnstump5010 4 жыл бұрын

@@kellyhistoryseekers3090 3 times so far now waiting for the full version.. I really enjoy this kind of stuff.

@barryengle12666 4 жыл бұрын

That was actually really cool. Nothing we can do about it at this point, and no disrespect meant at all. One of my favorite bands, just cool to see more of the history of this accident found and discussed like this. Great job guys

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Barry. We spoke to a museum today. While we havent committed to anything and it's not finalized we are one step closer.

@crisprtalk6963 4 жыл бұрын

The plane that Aerosmith had severe doubts about flying on.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

For good reason.

@phoneone1371 4 жыл бұрын

Went by there with girlfriend (she was from that area and pointed it out ) in mid 90s and at time you could still see the broken off tree tops at a angle where plane had crashed

@crisprtalk6963 4 жыл бұрын

@@robertramirez1082 yeah. It is just very sad.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We just released a follow up video from our second trip there and we found more items missed by NTSB investigators. Here is the link to the new video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72kp5eJzNa1pI0.html

@walterostrander9085 4 жыл бұрын

They also had doubts about the two pilots as they had seen them drinking.

@shannaprissyleamon1311 4 жыл бұрын

OMG this was amazing! So glad you guys shared this video with us! 🤘💜

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! We felt it would be ashame for this site to be lost forever and forgotten.

@ralphcossairt1476 4 жыл бұрын

I was a senior in high school when this crash happened. I live in Miami, Oklahoma (home town of Steve & Cassie). I shared this on Face Book here locally, as I believe it would be of interest to the fans, friends and family of the Gains who would most likely never see your video unless they were detectorist and/or subscribed to your channel ( I happen to be both ). What a special opportunity to save some historically tangible relics of this tragic event. Your respectful and thoughtful handling of your recoveries (as always) is much appreciated. Great video (again, as always), and I am looking forward to seeing the uncut version. Thanks for the video...oh...and that Nox 800 would be awesome! Good luck & happy hunting.

@historyseekersscott3672 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ralph! It was an honor to be able to save some of this stuff. Thanks for sharing it outside of the regular metal detecting community.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ralph. We would be willing to talk to them to put stuff on loan there if you know of any museums that would be interested. We just want to insure nothing ends up getting sold.

@jamesjames9275 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing this in a respectful way. Nicely done.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you James

@danidesiree3443 3 жыл бұрын

That's pretty amazing that after all THOSE YEARS, there is still debris from that high profile crash still lying around at the site!

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

We thought so too. We expected to not find much.

@badmonkey2222 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly, imagine how many people have been out there digging around over the years.

@bryendelaurie1006 4 жыл бұрын

I can still remember this so clearly. It was approximately 10:00pm on my 16th birthday, October 20th, 1977, when my friend called, just as I was about to go to bed, to let me know that he had just heard that Lynyrd Skynyrds plane had crashed. Needless to say, I was shocked by the news. For some reason, I asked him if Ronnie Van Zant had died, but he didn't know whether he had or not. When I got to school the following morning, I headed straight for the library to read the about it in the newspaper, and that is when I learned that Ronnie had in fact died. I remember thinking that there was no way Skynyrd could carry on without him, and I felt very sad.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing those memories. So many felt the same way. He was a musical genius by all accounts.

@msr1116 2 жыл бұрын

I happened to be in my room listening to an FM rock station when a dj reported that there had been a crash, this was about 8:30 pm Central time. The plane went down close to 7pm.

@mtngrl88 4 жыл бұрын

So sad. Ronnie was such an incredible song writer and singer. Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

You are exactly right.

@nydeerhunter5166 4 жыл бұрын

Aspen Dukes Amen 👍🇺🇸

@jeffwinters8656 3 жыл бұрын

Got that right.we have missed out on so much more music he would of created and you are right he was a amazing song writer.he pretty much predicted his own death because he told his mom and many of his close friends he wont live to be 30. Died to young but their music well live on forever.

@cwspur 4 жыл бұрын

Heath, super job on editing/creating your video. Super spot for all of you to dig and recover some pieces of history. I look forward to the unedited version. Congratulations!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We just got new info about it too right after the video aired.

@dougbrooks4323 4 жыл бұрын

Just Amazing! Thanks for looking and respectfully preserving things that mean so much to the music and fans!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doug. We had a great conversation with a museum today. We will post in our community section and most likely a video when they go on display.

@jaymo8206 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best from the South. I have a drawing hanging on my wall of Ronnie Van Zandt that I drew while in HS a few months after the accident. Also the original Street Survivors LP with the band on the cover in flames.They were supposed to play NYC where I'm from. Finally got to pay my respects to Ronnie and Steve & Cassie Gaines in Jacksonville Fl where they were laid to rest. Fly on Free Birds. 🎸

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Best bad ever for sure. Thank you sharing your experience.

@tammykrause4083 4 жыл бұрын

I am so proud to see medal detecting done on this special day, you guys are amazing what you for the icons of rock and roll history

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tammy. I hope these relics will help preserve their memory for future generations.

@factorybear5264 4 жыл бұрын

I’m 39. Born 3 years after the crash. This was not part of my generation like Nirvana was so it’s none of my business to judge or criticize. However, as a music lover who is pretty familiar with Skynyrd, I believe this stuff should be in a museum or returned to the family and surviving band members. Good job on the dig. I dabble in metal detecting too . Thank you.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for commenting. Yes, we have spoke to a few and to family members. We are making it so these items can never be sold and displayed to the public.

@mustang10141980 4 жыл бұрын

Same!

@Kelly-tj8xv 4 жыл бұрын

I LOVED that when you found that piece of the wheel, that you showed a photo of how it would have been in the plane.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kelly. We think it’s important to give visuals when possible on most of our stuff.

@av8tore71 4 жыл бұрын

That "green paint" you keep talking about is actually zinc-chromate primer to inhibit corrosion on the aluminum

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you...yes some other aircraft people told us about that after we published the video. We appreciate the input. Check out latest video and see if you recognize the gauge that we found. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72kp5eJzNa1pI0.html

@av8tore71 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers I just came across your video today, I'm an airplane mechanic & inspection authorization so I just added the zinc . Take care & be safe

@davidwhite9045 4 жыл бұрын

I was 17 years old living in Jacksonville Florida when the plane crash happen Me and my friends used to ride our bikes to the hell house and listen to them practice And we skip school to go to the funeral that was in Orange Park brings back a lot of memories cool video

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you David. We are huge fans and listened to them growing up even though I was only a few months old when the crash happened. Kelly was born hours before the crash.

@dukee3871 4 жыл бұрын

I'm jealous as hell of you. To have the memories of hearing them practice, priceless.

@davidwhite9045 4 жыл бұрын

Dukee Hello Dukee I had a lot of good time back in the 70s those times were great

@68air 4 жыл бұрын

I was stationed in Mayport and remember a cool bar called Leonard Skinners on Jax Beach. It was a play on the name and it rocked out on the weekends.

@bustyrandit 4 жыл бұрын

@@68air Thanks for your service, Shipmate. I think Leonard Skinner owned a bar on the westside of Jacksonville near NAS Jax on St Rd 17 and San Juan Ave at one time also.

@jeanetteshumate6011 4 жыл бұрын

I teared up watching this. This has been my favorite band since I was a young kid listening to my brother's records that I wasn't supposed touch. Thankfully he had good taste in music. I was happy to see that you seemed to actually care and respect the task at hand. It was a tragic loss of human life and a tragic loss for music. There are rumors and accounts that people were looting the scene of personal items before the victims were even removed, which sickens me to think that people like that even exist.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Jeanette, we cared very much about recovering the items from the scene so the could be saved and preserved. Each of us had our own personal reason for wanting to go outside of preserving the History. For Scott and Heath, they grew up in Alabama and listened to the band growing up. They have been saving History for years with their metal detecting. I was actually born the day of the crash. The band was one of my Dad's favorites and Freebird was played at his funeral. I am the main historian of the group and this gave me a chance to connect with my Dad. It also made me realize how much the word has changed since 1977. So many of those who arrived at the scene to help were the ordinary people who had tractors and pickup trucks to access that swamp. In today's world, many people would sit back and watch. Heroes saved lives to keep this accident from being much, much worse. Thank you for watching.

@jeanetteshumate6011 4 жыл бұрын

@@kellyhistoryseekers3090 Happy Birthday to you tomorrow. Without those there to help, I believe many more whould have perished that day. We need more people like that. Thank you for doing this in a respectful way. Metal detecting is really cool and I hope to do more of it in the future.

@mikebottiaux5850 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I was a senior in HS when this tragedy occurred and remember how devastated we all felt arriving at school that day.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

It was truly a sad day. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

@bogger_welder 4 жыл бұрын

Hey so was I in north Mississippi. I remember driving to school that morning and the dj told the news and it was sketchy but he knew Ronnie was one of the casualty

@nto5gb239 4 жыл бұрын

I had just graduated HS in May of 77 when they crashed. Remember it like it was yesterday...my son was born on the day before this happened, the 19th of October, 77

@AppalachianTrailHunters 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Not too many get that privilege. This is a band near and dear to my heart and I'm so glad you all got the chance to save the history behind this tragedy. Can't say I'm not a bit envious of you but hey, it's all good. I would have tried to recover anything, given the opportunity myself. Also, great article in this Months 'American Digger'. This is what brought me here.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Kelly worked hard on that article. We just went back to the site a few weeks ago and found something else. That video will be coming soon too. The magazine is such a quality product that Butch puts out.

@AppalachianTrailHunters 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers I subscribed to your channel so hopefully I get the update. I wish I had more content on my channel to show, but it's very hard getting out. (lol) Can't wait to see the newest vid. Happy hunting my friend

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is... we had a few weeks of video saved up luckily. Hopefully we will all be back to normal soon.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

The new video releases in a few hours. Noon on Friday central time.

@AdventuresInDirt 4 жыл бұрын

Well done. It was such a unique opportunity for you guys to be asked to come hunt this area and such a part of rock n roll history. Looking forward to the uncut version.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks DK!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you DK! We look forward to your interview.

@AdventuresInDirt 4 жыл бұрын

@@HistorySeekers Let me know when you want to get that setup 👍

@bobbyc3969 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome finds guys. Thanks for Sharing with us.

@bobbyc3969 4 жыл бұрын

You have an American piece of history no one else has its priceless someone would pay a fortune. And your going to donate it? That just shows it's not about the money but passion I love it.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bobby!

@rhondawilliams5859 3 жыл бұрын

WE STILL LOVE YOU..RONNIE. 🎸🎶👱‍♀️

@murrayinwood5084 4 жыл бұрын

Nice diggin' folks. Lynyrd Skynyrd were the best thing from the South since the Confederacy. Honour the Fallen

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Murray. They were a great band

@hkrjr 4 жыл бұрын

Lived in Magnolia, Ms and lived less than 10 miles from the crash site. I arrived at the crash site less than 20 minutes after the crash. Was at a friend's house when the call came over his police scanner from Pike County SO that a plane had crashed and that it was the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane that was involved. Was a member of the Pike County Civil Defense Rescue Unit and I arrived at the site before a lot of the Sherriff department and other rescue personnel arrived. There was a Coast Guard helicopter hovering over the site with it's search light on illuminating the crash site. Helped as many of the victims as I could before medical personnel and other law enforcement arrived to secure the site. October 20, 1977.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I hope we recognized you honorably in the section with the tribute tree. There likely would have been more fatalities if the community hadn't pulled together to help the survivors. You are all heroes.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for replying. We thank you for your willingness to help. So many local people were heroes responding to help that night.

@hkrjr 4 жыл бұрын

Kelly Dzemske Thank you!! It was something that I will never forget. I have not been back to the actual site in the woods. I went to school with the owners of the property at the time of the crash. Not sure if they are still the owners. I did what I could to help but when I arrived and then turned it over to those who were taking charge of the scene.

@kenguthrie3083 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks for showing the public this epic dig!

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ken!

@ryanwhitlock6204 4 жыл бұрын

I was born and raised in beautiful Miami Oklahoma!! We love Steve & Cassie Gains!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Their hometown correct?

@ryanwhitlock6204 4 жыл бұрын

History Seekers correct!

@pamwilliams4883 4 жыл бұрын

Found your site by accident, subscribed, this took me back to the day the news broke. Southern Rockers in Heaven RIP, ...Gone but not forgotten ......Southern Love from Alabama.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Pam. As Alabamians this group holds a special group in our heart.

@granddad-mv5ef 4 жыл бұрын

I put everything else on hold when I saw this in my margin. It certainly brought back some sad memories, but I am happy you made these finds and shared them with us. Thank you!

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Thank you for watching 😀

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing and watching

@j.r.digging-it-back7356 4 жыл бұрын

Man I was so excited for this video and you guys and gal didn't disappoint me. Thank you for preserving that crash not only for the Band but for all the others who perished as well. Bless you all.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was worth the wait 😀

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you JR!

@amyelizabeth7598 4 жыл бұрын

Truly amazing video, incredible job by you all, and very respectfully done. Thank you for sharing and preserving what would soon be lost forever! Looking forward to seeing more great vids.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Amy! That means a lot to us. We will have follow ups on this as well. We spoke to a museum today and they are very much interested.

@haroldmcelwain1604 Жыл бұрын

As a fellow digger who loves to recover history, I give you guys a thumbs up! As a fan of Skynyrds, I feel a bit "ify" about this. All in all it is very interesting. It should be part of a permanent display in a museum and maybe this has already happened. I'm just seeing your video for the first time. Fly high Freebird!!

@theozarkduke 4 жыл бұрын

I was 15 when this happened, but to me it happened yesterday. i started to cry the fist piece you found.i had to stop the video for a sec.God bless you for not selling this stuff.

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Keep on the lookout for updates on where we send the pieces. Feel free to give us suggestions if you have an idea of where to donate. Thsnks for watching!

@billybarrett7192 4 жыл бұрын

I turned 16 the day of the crash.

@stingylizard 4 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@ClaytonCountyHistoryHound 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed watching and found it fascinating that so many identifiable objects were able to be recovered to be donated. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the extended version. GL, HH and take care.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We identified another part after the video went live.

@blayneaugust 4 жыл бұрын

Quite an adventure - thank you for allowing me to be a part of it!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Scott thank you for watching. We hope you will share it with friends.

@JG40061 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@croman1retiredlife 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been a huge Skynyrd fan for a long time . Thank you for another great video .

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We are too.

@gw5309 4 жыл бұрын

I find this line in “You Got That Right”, sung and co-written by Steve & Ronnie to be sadly ironic: “When my times up I’ll hold my own, you won’t find me in an old folks home “

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Ronnie always said or so is claimed that he would never see 30 years old.

@gw5309 4 жыл бұрын

History Seekers I heard an interview with his father and that is exactly what he said.

@pureblood1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this how blessed you are to have those pieces from that plane and especially to have found them so far on Down the Line

@eronacalloway9159 4 жыл бұрын

I STILL have my Ticket to the Baton Rouge concert that got cancelled because of the accident. I DID get to see them in Baton Rouge 10years later on their Street Survivor Tour.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool.

@davidroberts2404 3 жыл бұрын

If you had tickets to the cancelled baton rouge show because of the accident then how did you see them 10 years later. Ronnie van zant was dead. After the original band members were deceased they were never the same band

@ryankoresh8261 4 жыл бұрын

Holy cow guys, THE crash site? How cool, and humbling, must that be?!?! Very excited to watch, congrats in advance on landing a permission like that.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Ryan!

@namehere4684 4 жыл бұрын

such a tragic event. Heard about this vid on Beyond Sight and Sound on Wednesday before i noticed the notification. was trying to watch one and listen to the other, gave up so i came back to re-watch! nice to see some history saved. almost at 10K, congrats Heath, Scott and Kelly

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jason.

@jeezscott3088 4 жыл бұрын

Good going guys,history is where its at and keep up the good work .

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Scott

@johnlowder7 11 ай бұрын

That is unique to get to go Metal Detecting at a Historical Site... Collecting, Preserving & Sharing Historical Artifacts are one of My Favorite Hobbies.. It would be cool to go searching Historical Sites with this group. They seem to respect the Artifacts and respect the fact that this was a Rock N Roll Tragedy and glad to see these few Historical Artifacts preserved and saved for future Generations to enjoy!!! Thank You for sharing.

@stokely418 4 жыл бұрын

This is such an awesome video! Great finds! Thank you for sharing!!!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@cedarhillschoppers35 4 жыл бұрын

The tiller wheel for steering was "the find of the day" for me, I have a pilots license and as soon as it was pulled out of the ground, I figured it for a trim tab adjusting wheel, have seen some tab adjuster wheels that look just like that. About three years ago a good friend bought an expensive metal detecting unit to get into that hobby and I begged him for all I was worth that we should go to this crash site but I couldn't make it happen then, now health problems stop me, always wanted to do it. Some people are going to say, like recovering items from the Titanic, that you are messing around in a graveyard. You said you don't sell these items, which is good. If I would have been on the plane, or on the Titanic, it wouldn't bother me a bit that someone is doing this. It helps to keep the memory of a part of history alive, something we can touch and see. I grew up in Jacksonville and went to high school with one of the guys who played with a later version of Skynyrd and knew them from the start. If you have problems finding space to keep that wheel, send it to me. I, like a lot of others, would cherish it. I did aviation maintenance for a living, and one of the hardest jobs I ever had to do, aviation or otherwise, was replace a trim tab cable. I still have nightmares about it. Thanx.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting. That means a lot to us.

@yellowhammer4747 4 жыл бұрын

I too am a pilot, the tiller wheel is by far the most legit in my humble opinion..

@deltaflyer9078 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video guys, I wished to see a metal detecting video on this topic and here we are! Huge respect.

@HistorySeekers Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@colleencrane4843 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, that was so incredible, great video!😀👍

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😁

@jessiepayne737 4 жыл бұрын

That was amazing guys and girls, some really amazing finds. Those relics are priceless, enjoyed your video and as always Be Safe and HH my friends.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jessie. We just felt like even though these could have value that they should NEVER be sold.

@NorthShoreJoe 4 жыл бұрын

I would have loved to have been on this dig. Epic. Brought a tear to my eye.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Joe. Be sure to keep check on our community section and we will have an update when these items go on display.

@janhoyle1462 4 жыл бұрын

It’s fantastic that you guys are doing this. It would have been to hard to look for back in the 70s.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jan.

@mikelba3713 4 жыл бұрын

Like always y'all do a great job! It is odd that last week I spoke to my daughter regarding the "Lynard Skynyrd" crash. Thanks for helping keep history alive!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mike!

@willmercer1851 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video guys! This was a great idea. Glad you guys could get on the site.

@historyseekersscott3672 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Will!

@Ferreal92 4 жыл бұрын

The Budweiser in that can would probably taste the same as it does today.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

not a big fan but maybe.

@cmiller215 4 жыл бұрын

Guaranteed :D

@rickmark9625 4 жыл бұрын

Why don't you drink it

@meauxjeaux431 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, Bud is a nasty tasting beer alright.

@xr6lad 4 жыл бұрын

With all the preservatives and chemicals it would more then likely would.

@jamesnightingale9782 3 жыл бұрын

Guys what a great dig . Really enjoyed this and what a great bit of history the whole world can relate to. Thanks again Jim UK Equinox user lol.

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim!

@novabxnynova5381 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome channel. Glad it popped up on my feed. Especially some rock history

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We cover everything history related. Welcome to the channel.

@joerowland607 4 жыл бұрын

I remember when that happened. It was a very solemn day. RIP.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Truly a sad day across the nation.

@donnaconran7021 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome to be one who finds items left behind from when these iconic people are no longer here.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

yes but also sad at the same time. It has taken an emotional toll on us for sure.

@seabee5629 4 жыл бұрын

This was a fantastic video documentary of a very dark day in rock and roll history. Thanks for retrieving those items for those of us that appreciate them for what they represent, sort of our final farewell.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Joe. We will update everyone once they have a home in a museum.

@glendaroberts5965 4 жыл бұрын

Will never forget this day. I was in high school in ‘77 and live an hour away from the crash site.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing Glenda.

@jeanjones1846 4 жыл бұрын

WOW... to much my friend.

@barbaralong1642 4 жыл бұрын

This sounds like a great adventure. Can't wait for the video 🙂

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

It’s out now.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

The long version will be out in the future

@tonymiller3485 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazing dig!!!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tony!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

We just released a follow up video from our second trip there and we found more items missed by NTSB investigators. Here is the link to the new video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72kp5eJzNa1pI0.html

@justinlwilliams99 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! So much more interesting when you know the story behind the area. GREAT STUFF!!!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@ThatOneVr4 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this with the rest of the world. Fly High Free Bird

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@jeffgibbs2844 4 жыл бұрын

That beer can was the only can I’ve ever seen anyone happy to dig. Great finds

@kellyhistoryseekers3090 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha! You know you wouldn't have dug it 🤪 Best can slow ever. Hard to imagine that can was older than me and should have been drank the day I was born by someone famous!

@jeffgibbs2844 4 жыл бұрын

Kelly Dzemske greatest pop top ever

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

LOL you are right about that!

@tankgirlpdx 4 жыл бұрын

I was in Jr. High in Liberty, MS at the time and lived on Gillsburg Road that the ambulances drove down when they were rushing the survivors to the hospital. I remember them going by our house with sirens wailing. I found out the next day some of my classmates who lived in Gillsburg had been some of the first people on the crash site helping survivors.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing

@cookjer24 4 жыл бұрын

congrats on the 10k mark..keep up the great vids

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@exdemocrat9038 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Thank you for posting.

@HistorySeekers 11 ай бұрын

Thank you too!

@judithchaney3744 3 жыл бұрын

Skynyrd is my favorite band love watching stuff about them

@HistorySeekers 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We have another video just released a couple months ago finding even more stuff. Be sure to check out that video.

@cynthiaheber9781 4 жыл бұрын

Wow. What amazing finds. RIP to those who were lost that day.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@xxgoldmoney 4 жыл бұрын

This channel will hve 1 million subscribers in 2 years if you guys are consistently making content. Subbed, keep it up !

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Erik!

@matt12251975 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing. Congrats on your finds. Such a sad story and outcome. Rock on Lynyrd Skynyrd ....

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt

@Spec440 4 жыл бұрын

Holy smokes. Guys, this is incredible. Well done.

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim!

@priscillaaugustine8379 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome that your finding parts of the plane, even though they've been gone for ever but we still remember them! Will never be forgotten! Your doing great!🤘💯❤

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Keep a check on our community section as we are working out the proper museum to have them displayed to the public.

@priscillaaugustine8379 4 жыл бұрын

That would be awesome! I was only 14 when Ronnie and crew had that crash will never forget! They started the southern music! Love y'all's accent!🤘🤘💯❤! I would visit your museum! I Native American Navajo from New Mexico been a fan all these years! Free bird!

@HistorySeekers 4 жыл бұрын

Prascilla, thank you! We are all southern boys +1 northern girl. Two of us are from Alabama and were raised on Sweet home Alabama. As soon as we can finalize an agreement we will update everyone. If you are subscribed and hit the bell 🔔. You should get notified when we post that update. We also have a Facebook page.