The Tragic Davey Allison Helicopter Crash: A Look Back
The world of NASCAR was rocked on July 13, 1993, when beloved driver Davey Allison was killed in a helicopter crash at Talladega Superspeedway. Allison had been one of the sport's most successful drivers, with 19 wins and a championship under his belt, and his death was a devastating blow to his family, friends, and fans. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the crash, the aftermath of the tragedy, and the legacy of Davey Allison.
The Crash
On the day of the crash, Allison had been at Talladega Superspeedway testing a new car in preparation for an upcoming race. After the test session, he and some friends decided to take a helicopter ride around the track. The helicopter, a Hughes 369HS, was being piloted by Allison's friend and former NASCAR driver Red Farmer. Also on board were Allison's brother, fellow driver Clifford Allison, and mechanic Davey Evans.
According to reports, the helicopter was flying at a low altitude when it suddenly began to spin out of control. The rotor blades struck a nearby fence, causing the helicopter to crash and burst into flames. Allison, Evans, and Farmer were all injured in the crash, while Clifford Allison was killed instantly.
The Aftermath
The news of Davey Allison's death sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond. Fans, fellow drivers, and other sports figures mourned the loss of one of the sport's most popular and talented drivers. President Bill Clinton even issued a statement expressing his condolences for Allison's family and friends.
The investigation into the crash revealed that the helicopter had been improperly maintained and was missing a critical safety feature. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that a small metal rod, known as a servo piston, had been left out of the helicopter's tail rotor assembly during maintenance. This caused the helicopter to become uncontrollable and crash.
The Legacy
Despite his relatively short career, Davey Allison left a lasting impact on NASCAR and the world of motorsports. He was known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to win on a variety of different tracks. His tragic death also led to important changes in the way that helicopters are maintained and inspected.
Today, Allison is remembered as one of the sport's greatest drivers, and his legacy lives on through his family and his fans. In 2019, he was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, cementing his place in the pantheon of racing greats.
Question & Answer
What caused the Davey Allison helicopter crash?
The crash was caused by a missing metal rod, known as a servo piston, in the helicopter's tail rotor assembly. This had been left out during maintenance, causing the helicopter to become uncontrollable and crash.
Who was on board the helicopter during the crash?
The helicopter was carrying Davey Allison, his brother Clifford Allison, fellow driver Red Farmer, and mechanic Davey Evans.
What was the aftermath of the crash?
The news of Davey Allison's death sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond. Fans, fellow drivers, and other sports figures mourned the loss of one of the sport's most popular and talented drivers. The investigation into the crash revealed that the helicopter had been improperly maintained and was missing a critical safety feature.
The Response
After the crash, there was an outpouring of grief and support for Davey Allison's family and friends. Fans held vigils and memorials in his honor, and fellow drivers paid tribute to him on the track. The NASCAR community also rallied around Allison's wife and children, providing them with emotional and financial support in the wake of the tragedy.
Summary Table
| Date of Crash | July 13, 1993 |
|---|---|
| Location of Crash | Talladega Superspeedway |
| Cause of Crash | Missing metal rod in helicopter's tail rotor assembly |
| Occupants | Davey Allison, Clifford Allison, Red Farmer, and Davey Evans |
| Fatalities | Clifford Allison |
| Injuries | Davey Allison, Red Farmer, and Davey Evans |
Conclusion
The Davey Allison helicopter crash was a tragedy that shook the world of NASCAR and left a lasting impact on the sport. Allison was a beloved driver and a talented racer, and his death was a devastating loss for his family, friends, and fans. However, his legacy lives on, both through his impressive racing career and the important changes that were made to helicopter maintenance and inspection procedures in the wake of the crash. Today, we remember Davey Allison as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history and a true icon of the sport.