Those Damn Peaks
















  1. After reading your book and Warren G. Harris’ “Gable and Lombard” I have thought often about Carol and what she meant to the film community and to her fans when she perished that tragic night; and of course, what really did happen? The facts that you shared in your book after years of thought and research ring true to me – a combination of navigational errors and oversights as well as the glare on that windshield from the lighting inside the cockpit likely contributed to the crash. I’d like to add a point of fact, followed by a theory, to underscore your conclusion. Williams and his co-pilot spotted that mountain perhaps only 5 to 8 seconds before impact, at which time they immediately attempted to steer the plane hard right, since they apparently couldn’t bring it up over the mountain, or go sideways far enough, through that saddle. Your research and the observations of countless others points to the left wing tip striking Mr. Potosi first, leaving a mark on the rock to this day, and barely a micro second later the front side of the plane and left motor, were the first portions of the plane to impact. That explains why they could not recover Carol’s left arm, which was likely pulverized. This makes it conclusive in my view neither pilot suicidally tried to fly the plane into the mountain, as was speculated during the inquiry, and left as an open question. The pilots heroically tried to bring that plane through the saddle opening, as a last futile attempt to avoid the cliff.

  2. Thank you, Robert, for this poignant tribute to Carole and all the passengers of TWA’s Flight 3.
    It’s hard to believe it has been 74 years since that fatal night. And thanks to your excellent book, Carole and Flight 3 will not be forgotten. Remembering Carole this night.

  3. I just want to thank you for writing Fireball. I have not read such a gripping tale in a long time. I knew how it would end, however I always hope Lombard will somehow take the train. I’ve read other biographies on Lombard and the plane crash is always a rushed footnote.

    I also love the way you brought Lombard to life. She is always portrayed as the ultimate glamour girl/clown with barely a flaw. After reading the book I feel like I can smell Lombard’s cigarette smoke, feel the nervous energy and the sheer cold of that January night on that bumpy noisy plane.

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