OK523 Crash: Accident or Terrorism

Life Downhome (a.k.a DownHomer) magazine November’s issue features a story about Alena Zimova’s ordeal on the fatal flight of OK523 at Gander in 1967 . As we have related before, in her interview she insists that there was an explosion aboard the aircraft shortly after lift off  creating a fire storm in the cabin which led to the eventful crash. As for the crew not informing the tower about the explosion could be because it occurred back in the cabin and they were not aware of the fire. Whether  the explosion was from a mechanical malfunction or an act of terrorism we may never know. It would be very interesting if Transport Canada would revisit the cause of the crash  even though it happened some 47 years ago. With the change in government in the previous country of Czechoslovakia some historical data may now be available for release to the public. One must remember in 1967 Czechoslovakia was in political turmoil leading to the invasion by the USSR in 1968.  So an act of terrorism would not be out of the question.

Gander's History Donation

Frank Tibbo has put together approx. 200 stories (Beacon columns) in chronological order of the early history of Gander. He is making this history package available in digital form for the sum of a $10 donation in the form of a cheque made out to the Central Northeast Health Foundation . For those wishing to receive a copy please send or bring their cheque to the Beacon office. He will e-mail this history file as soon as the cheque is received. This is a very worth while cause that brings to the donor a very worth while treasure.

Contribute To Our Website

We just posted some interesting artifacts from Jim Strong recently. Jim came across some old school books and some memorabilia from his father’s collection from back in the 30s and WWII eras. We appreciate Jim’s contribution to our website. This sort of information at times is forgotten as being important in recording some of our history. Sometimes people think that a photo or a receipt of some sort may seem unimportant. We feel every item you may discover is vital for us to relate to the airport’s history. That photo of someone standing in front of a building, car or airplane may not seem important but the building or event in the background is. Send it along and let us decide. We need as much information as you can give.

GAHS Special Honour’s List

The Gander Airport Historical Society has recently established a honour’s list to recognize those whose assistance has further led to preserving the history of Gander International Airport. We recognize;

• Dr Peter Blackie
• Ethel Fogwill,
• Maurice Geange 
• Frank Tibbo

Their contribution is greatly appreciated.

OK 523 Memorial Planned

At the annual Board of Directors meeting recently it was decided that the GAHS would arrange to have a memorial for OK 523 erected at the scene of the 1967 crash site in the early summer of 2015. A simple stone monument with a plaque attached is planned. Work is under way to obtain the appropriate permissions, and to inform all interested parties. More information on the expected dates of commemoration will be made during the spring.