Charlotte Remembers: Revisiting the Tragic Crash of Eastern Flight 212
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, a somber chapter in its history was brought back to life recently. After a span of 50 years, the tragic accident of Eastern Flight 212 is getting the attention it deserves, all thanks to a moving documentary that sheds light on an event that left an indelible mark on many lives.
Reflecting on Heartbreak
The crash, which happened on September 11, 1974, took the lives of 72 people on board when a DC-9, coming in from Charleston, South Carolina, met a tragic fate just over three miles away from its intended landing zone. It was an event shrouded in silence for decades, but recently, that silence began to break. Tim Ford, a man deeply affected by the crash as his father, Frank Ford Jr., was one of the passengers, was eager to witness the documentary titled “9/11/74: The Untold Story of Charlotte’s Deadliest Plane Crash.”
At a packed screening near NoDa at The Independent Picture House, nearly 100 attendees gathered, many of whom had personal ties to the crash. Tim shared, “There was never a lot of discussion about the incident. So this is helping along that line.” It was clear that for some, this was their first time hearing about the negligent actions of the pilots and how these events shaped the lives of passengers and their families.
A Community in Conversation
The documentary, which ran for 30 minutes, elicited hushed gasps and expressions of disbelief from the audience. Afterward, a panel discussion unfolded, featuring Frank Ford III, Bob Burnham—a survivor of the crash—and Christopher Arnold, whose father also managed to survive that fateful day. The engaging conversation was moderated by journalists who had spent time researching this tragedy.
During the Q&A section, members of the audience took the opportunity to share their personal connections to the crash and expressed a shared hope to see a memorial erected in honor of the victims and survivors. With family members present, as well as first responders and community members, it was evident that the impact of that day still resonates through time. Bob Burnham reflected on the coverage, noting, “I was impressed with the depth of the research.”
Uncovering Forgotten Stories
The emotional documentary pulled back the veil on a past that many had tried to forget. Carole Burnham, Bob’s wife, remarked, “I’m glad to see people remembering something they had forgotten about.” Even as they relived the past, the couple managed to maintain a positive spirit, illustrating how tragedy can alter perspectives forever. “Your mind changes,” Carole noted. “It just doesn’t go back to what it was.”
Laura Hankins, a librarian and historian, was also present at the screening. While she had no personal ties to the crash, she felt compelled to attend after reading about it. “This project is a manifesto for why local journalism matters,” she expressed, admiring the quality of the documentary and hoping the research would someday be archived for future generations.
Voices from Afar
Christopher Arnold, who traveled from California, shared that his father, unable to attend in person, sent a heartfelt message to those in attendance: “I am happy.” His poignant words underscored a sense of gratitude towards the first responders and those who played a role in his father’s survival. Christopher praised the documentary’s craftsmanship, describing it as “lovingly crafted” and “refreshing.”
The screening and discussions reminded us that while the crash may have faded from collective memory, the stories of those affected, both directly and indirectly, resonate strongly. The documentary can be found on various platforms, ensuring that the stories of those lost and the lessons learned live on.
As Charlotte takes a moment to reflect on this painful piece of its history, it stands united in remembering and honoring those impacted by what was, undeniably, a day of great sorrow.
