Member Center

State News

Columbia Pilot's Parents Recall Crash 10 Years Ago

Posted: Jan 28, 2013 8:18 AM

Bookmark and Share
Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

LUBBOCK - One morning nearly 10 years ago, Barry McCool remembers watching his son's space shuttle fly more than 40 miles above his Las Vegas home.

He went inside to watch a live computer feed from Houston, home of NASA's Mission Control. But Columbia never landed in Florida on Feb. 1, 2003.

The shuttle piloted by his son William McCool, who attended high school in Lubbock, disintegrated high over Texas during its descent back to Earth. All seven crew members died.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports that Barry McCool knew something was wrong when he heard Houston officials say they'd lost infrared radar contact with Columbia.

McCool says he got a sickening feeling in his stomach when he saw the flight director's expression.

McCool then told his wife, "Willie's gone."

Comments

Video On Demand

Gregory-Portland HS Senior Donates Graduation Party Money to Oklahoma Victims

Submit News

Do you have a tip, information about a breaking news story, or a story idea for 6 Investigates? Contact the KRIS 6 News Desk at 361-884-6666 or send us an email.

Most Popular

KRISTV.COM is Social!


Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KRISTV.COM!

Inside KRISTV.COM

Photo Central
Look at photos and videos and share them!
Desktop Weather
Current forecast, hurricane info, and much more!
KRISTV.COM Mobile Website
Get KRISTV.com on your mobile or PDA!
KRISTV.COM Mobile Apps
Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA!
Texas Lottery
See the latest winning numbers!
6 News Team
Read about your favorite KRIS-TV personalities!
FCC Online Public File
FCC Public File of Records, Reports, and more