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Today in History: Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Country Stars

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 5, 1963, country music icons Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. The Piper PA-24 Comanche, piloted by Cline's manager, crashed shortly after takeoff while returning to Nashville from a performance in Kansas City. This tragic event shocked the music community and fans alike.

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Story summary

On March 5, 1963, country music icons Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. The Piper PA-24 Comanche, piloted by Cline's manager, crashed shortly after takeoff while returning to Nashville from a performance in Kansas City. This tragic event shocked the music community and fans alike.