Fall 2001

A Tennessee gentleman named Doug Hudson contacted me to share some extremely unique and, I believe, touching items with us.  I'm always surprised to learn that museums show no apparent interest in items from this important, tragic event, but I am not ashamed to display them here for Patsifans to contemplate; in fact, I am honored to do so.

Through Donna Winchester of Paris, TN, Doug acquired these items from Jerry Phifer.  On March 5, 1963, Jerry was the police dispatcher for the City of Camden, TN.  Only 18 years old at the time, he received the first phone call reporting a plane crash.  After an all-night search, local citizen Mr. Hollingsworth discovered the crash site; Phifer rode with patrolman Troy Odle to the location.  They were the first officials on the scene.

(Click on each thumbnail for a full-size view)

Jerry Phifer's signed testament to the authenticity of these items

   
Pieces from the body of the aircraft

       
Steering column and wire

       
Guitar strings

Cufflink belonging to either Cowboy Copas or Randy Hughes
(Jean Shephard has stated that it is not one of Hawkshaw Hawkins')

Click to view official release of aircraft wreckage