pan am flight 806 1974 Pago pago

Hi again! My name is Cheryl, I am about to turn 50 in a few days and have taken a second look at life. I lost my grandma to this crash when I was 14 years old. Up until recently with a new lost friend, I have picked up again on my aviation interests and have had many opportunities to fly a 737 simulator. Yes you guessed it! I have flown into Pago Pago in the simulator and have found myself drawn to this interest beyond belief. I have done much research on this crash, reports after reports along with all the court dealings and papers that my dad received during this case. I have also corresponded with Bill Norris, the author of the book Wilful Misconduct which he wrote about this crash. I have decided to go to Pago Pago not only for closure, but to hopfully visit the crash site. Why? I just don't really know why other than I am feeling closer to my grandma than I ever have and I would like to be the member of my family that can say"Iv'e been there and was able to say goodbye" Also, I have vacationed in a lot of the Carribean countries and I love the ocean and palms. I am a FUN IN THE SUN kind of girl and Pago Pago looks absulutley stunning. I would like to hire a guide, rent a metal detector, Comb the jungle, swim in the sea,and Live my dream. Has anyone been there? Does anyone have any advice to give? Has anyone done anything like this before?

Talofa Cheryl....maybe you can begin with the photograph I took of the airport from the top of Matafau mountain (click on "pagonite" then "view all photos").  I still remember quite cleary flying into Pago Pago International Airport through a torrential downpour in 1982 expecting to stay 2 years and ended up leaving almost 20 years later.  Let me know if you are still interested in a guide.  Cheers!

I've been researching this story for a year or so. I make television documentaries and one of my colleagues is closely related to someone who died in the flight. We are trying to find others, like you, who are interested in learning more about this. It would be great to hear back from you. I'm based in London and I found your message via google.Paul

Talofa  Everyone...I was booked to leave Pago on flight 806 but, instead, spent the entire evening at the crash site accompanying my father who was a doctor at the time.  My parents got to know the survivors well over the course of the following weeks/months, offering them what they could until their departure.  I am living in American Samoa and would like to offer my help to anyone who would like to visit to research this event .  The site is still quite accesssible, a minute walk from the road.  And the landing gear is still visible.

Ia manuia le aso, Evelyn Lili'o-Satele