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Buddy Holly Crash Probe Might Be Reopened

Aviation authorities are considering reopening the investigation into the plane crash that killed music stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

Also killed in the crash on 3 February 1959 in Iowa was the aircraft pilot, Roger Peterson.

An investigation at the time of the crash determined that the cause was pilot error and listed snow as a secondary cause.

According to local news reports, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now considering reopening the crash after a pilot identified as LJ Coon sent the board a letter.

Mr Coon argues that other factors should be considered, such as weight and balance calculations and the rate of the small plane’s climb and descent, according to the Globe Gazette.

Mr Coon also asked the board to investigate whether problems with the rudder pedals caused Mr Peterson to lose control of the aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza.

The NTSB wrote to Coon on 19 February and said: "You have gotten our attention”, the Des Moines Register reports.

It might take weeks for the board to decide whether an investigation should be reopened.

The crash has been the subject of countless theories, books and movies. The song American Pie called 3 February 1959 "the day the music died".

The three musicians were on tour when the crash happened.