The Life and Death of Arthur “Bud” Holland

The Life and Death of Arthur “Bud” Holland

On June 24, 1994, Bud Holland crashed one of the biggest, most powerful aircraft ever built in the history of mankind, sending up a fireball that darkened the sky, leaving his kids fatherless and his wife a widow…and taking three members of his flight crew with him. Some people call it a tragic culmination of circumstances that took the life of one of our country’s bravest. Many others call it an inevitable disaster caused by a murderer bent on self destruction. Was Bud Holland an American hero? Or an arrogant hot-stick? Strong words, and strong feelings – even decades later, as you’ll see from some of the comments – and we look at all of them in this episode of Washington Our Home.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

5 Comments

  1. i am actually related to one of the men who got killed in the crash

  2. Horrendous Holland, a murderer of men.

  3. Fascinating and tragic story all around. Would be interested in learning more about the friends in high places that protected him and if they ever suffered repercussions, albeit quietly, in the aftermath and investigation. Also would like to know more about his career prior to coming to Fairchild to see if there were patterns there.

  4. Ah, I suppose that makes sense. Thanks Turk! By the way, I love your e-mail address throwback to that old movie, Turk 182!

  5. The reason he flew with him is that someone had to if he was going to fly. If grounding him had been overruled, the only way to avoid having some other pilot be required to fly with him is to put himself in the seat instead.

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