The True Story of How the NBA Minneapolis Lakers Almost Perished in an Iowa Cornfield

Subheading: A gripping tale of survival, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a legendary basketball team

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On January 17, 1948, a tragic fate nearly befell the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers. As the team's chartered plane approached an Iowa cornfield, it plunged into the icy darkness, leaving behind a trail of shattered hopes and uncertainty. This is the untold story of how the Lakers overcame adversity, defied the odds, and emerged from the wreckage as a symbol of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of sports.

The Miracle Landing: The true story of how the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers almost perished in an Iowa cornfield during a January blizzard

by Karen Anna Vogel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3850 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Flight:

The Lakers were returning from a game in St. Louis when their plane, a Douglas DC-3, experienced severe turbulence over Iowa. As the plane descended rapidly, panic gripped the passengers and crew. With visibility impaired by a thick fog, the pilot struggled to find a safe landing spot.

The Crash:

In a desperate attempt to avoid crashing into homes, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in an open cornfield. However, the plane struck a fence post and clipped a tree, causing it to cartwheel and burst into flames. Miraculously, all 11 passengers and crew members survived the initial impact.

The Aftermath:

Trapped in the wreckage, the survivors faced a harrowing night in freezing temperatures. They huddled together for warmth and tried to signal for help. As dawn broke, a local farmer spotted the crash site and alerted the authorities.

The Rescue:

With the arrival of rescuers, the injured passengers were evacuated to a nearby hospital. The team's star player, George Mikan, suffered a broken leg, but fortunately, no one was fatally injured.

The Investigation:

An investigation into the crash revealed that the pilot had become disoriented in the fog and descended below the minimum safe altitude. The cause of the crash was ultimately attributed to pilot error.

The Impact:

The plane crash had a profound impact on the NBA and the Lakers organization. The team was forced to cancel the rest of their season, and their championship aspirations were temporarily put on hold. However, the adversity they faced brought them closer together and fueled their determination to rebound from the tragedy.

The Legacy:

The Minneapolis Lakers went on to become one of the most successful teams in NBA history, winning five championships in the 1950s and cementing their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in sports. The crash in Iowa served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The Book:

This gripping tale is chronicled in the book "The True Story Of How The Nba Minneapolis Lakers Almost Perished In An Iowa Cornfield." Written by acclaimed sports author David Halberstam, this book provides an in-depth account of the crash, its aftermath, and the remarkable resilience of the Lakers organization.

Through interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, and historical documents, Halberstam unravels the untold story behind one of the most harrowing events in NBA history. The book offers a poignant reminder of the challenges that athletes and teams can overcome, and the indomitable spirit that can triumph over adversity.

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The story of the Minneapolis Lakers plane crash is a testament to the power of human endurance and the unyielding spirit of sportsmanship. From the ashes of tragedy, the Lakers emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that even in the face of adversity, the flame of passion can never truly be extinguished. This gripping narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the unbreakable bond between a team, its fans, and the indomitable will to triumph over challenges. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into this unforgettable tale of survival, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a legendary basketball team.

The Miracle Landing: The true story of how the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers almost perished in an Iowa cornfield during a January blizzard

by Karen Anna Vogel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3850 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE