The Mystery of the Missing Remains: Why No Human Remains Were Found from the Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771 Crash

The tragic crash of Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771 on December 7, 1987, remains a poignant reminder of the horrors of a mass murder/suicide aboard an aircraft. The crash, which occurred near Cayucos, California, due to a disgruntled former employee, has puzzled investigators and the public alike. One of the most perplexing mysteries surrounding this tragedy is the absence of human remains at the crash site. Let's explore the reasons behind this absence and the impact it has had over the years.

Understanding the Impact and Fire

The crash of the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 aircraft was catastrophic. The plane, en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, struck the ground at high speeds, resulting in an intense explosion and fire. The impact was so violent that it incinerated much of the wreckage, making the recovery of human remains nearly impossible. According to the investigation, only small, unidentifiable fragments of remains were found at the scene. This outcome is not uncommon in such high-speed and explosive crashes, where the extreme heat and force of impact destroy the human body.

The Remote and Rugged Crash Site

Another factor that contributed to the absence of recoverable human remains was the crash site's remote and rugged terrain. Cayucos, where the plane crashed, is a sparsely populated and hilly area. The rough and inaccessible landscape significantly complicated recovery efforts, making it even more challenging to locate and collect human remains. The investigation team had to navigate through rugged hills, deep pits, and dense vegetation, all of which hindered their search.

Survivor's Firsthand Account

A survivor of the crash, unnamed in this account, provides a vivid depiction of the event. They witnessed the aircraft's impact and the aftermath, including the flash of fire and the smoke cloud. Though they did not initially find any survivors, the survivor later realized that the lingering stench of rot on their shoes, clothes, and car was a result of the remains of 43 individuals. This experience deeply impacted the survivor, as they later connected the event to Pearl Harbor Day, which held additional significance for them.

Technical Aspects of the Crash

The technical aspects of the crash were equally shocking. The plane is estimated to have hit the ground at over 700 mph, disintegrating almost instantly. Only 11 of the 43 passengers aboard were identified, which is a testament to the ferocity of the impact. The passengers, who were likely unconscious due to the extreme acceleration, would have faced an unimaginable fate. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the importance of rigorous safety measures.

Implications and Lessons Learned

The Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771 crash had profound implications for aviation safety. One significant change was the implementation of stricter cockpit security measures, following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The incident highlighted the need for cockpit doors to be closed and locked, ensuring the safety of flight crews and passengers. However, the survivor's account underscores the importance of human trust in critical situations. As a general aviation (GA) pilot, the survivor emphasizes the critical nature of the cockpit environment and the need for unimpeded focus on flying the aircraft. They advocate for a policy that allows no one, except the current flight crew, to enter the cockpit, safeguarding the lives of up to 800 passengers aboard modern aircraft.

From a personal and professional standpoint, the survivor's experience serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of human error in aviation. The crash of Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771, the absence of human remains, and the survivor's account all highlight the ongoing need for stringent safety measures and vigilant preventive measures in the aviation industry to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.