Posted in Wyoming
January 20, 2017
The Deadly History Of This Wyoming Peak Is Terrifying But True
Medicine Bow Peak is such a quiet, peaceful and beautiful spot in Wyoming. That’s why it’s so hard to believe that it was the site of the worst air disaster in the United States at the time. What started out as an ordinary day for 66 passengers became one of the worst days in Wyoming’s history.
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Members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and numerous military personnel took off on a plane just like this one from Denver on the morning of October 6, 1955 en route to Salt Lake City.
Just as the plane flew over the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide, it veered to the west, flew at a dangerously low altitude and crashed into the face of Medicine Bow Peak in the Snowy Range Mountains. Medicine Bow Peak is the highest point in southern Wyoming.
Evidence of the crash is still very visible today. It left a very large black stain on the side of the mountain at the point of impact.
First responders found 50 bodies strewn along the side of the mountain.
The plane struck about 50 feet from the peak and then slid down into a ravine.
Fragments of the wreckage can still be found there today.
Here's a picture of some electrical wires or cords.
There's a lot of scrap metal from the fuselage.
There are also engine parts and pieces of the propeller.
If you watch the video below, even broken passenger shoes are found lodged in a field of rocks.
Check out this video by YouTube user, John, who visited the crash site of United Airlines Flight 409 on Medicine Bow Peak.
Fortunately, out of respect for those who lost their lives that day, visitors have left what remains as it was found.
Lives may have been lost that day but Wyoming will never forget these men and women.
For another tragic event in Wyoming, check out The Story Behind This One Town In Wyoming Is Truly Tragic.
