Flight 853 by Phil Stephens, is a gripping historical account blended with thriller elements and paranormal intrigue that has drawn readers into the harrowing true story of one of Indiana's most tragic aviation disasters, exploring the human toll, haunting aftermath, and restless spirits that linger in its wake.
On a quiet September day in 1969, the skies over Indiana turned tragic when a single-engine Piper Cherokee collided mid-air with the tail of Allegheny Airlines Flight 853, a DC-9 commercial jetliner carrying dozens of passengers. The catastrophic impact sent both aircraft plummeting into a soybean field from 2,500 feet, claiming all 84 lives aboard with no survivors. What began as a routine flight became one of the deadliest aviation accidents in U.S. history at the time, overwhelming local resources—bodies were so numerous that a temporary morgue was established in a nearby warehouse. Stephens delves into the disaster's details, the chaos of the response, and the enduring legacy, including why the crash site and related locations rank among Indiana's most haunted spots, with reports of restless souls and paranormal activity tied to the unresolved grief of those lost.
Readers have embraced its unflinching look at tragedy and the supernatural. Promotional buzz describes it as a "pulse-pounding historical thriller" with a "harrowing reimagining" of the events, appealing to fans of disaster narratives and ghost stories. On Amazon, it's available in Kindle Unlimited and paperback, with early acclaim for its vivid recounting and exploration of humanity amid catastrophe. Goodreads lists it with editions noting its blend of history, religion, and spirituality, though ratings are emerging as it's a recent release. Author signings, like at Barnes & Noble in Plainfield, Indiana, have highlighted strong local interest, with reports of brisk sales.
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Phil Stephens, an Indiana native and graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, continues to draw from his home state's history and personal insights in his independent writing career. Known for semi-autobiographical works like *The Altar Boy* (a Gold Medal winner in dark humor/coming-of-age) and the paranormal romance *At The Edge of the Stairs*, he shifts here to nonfiction-infused historical thriller territory, incorporating elements of spirituality and the paranormal. His writing has appeared in local newspapers and literary magazines like *Pen IT*, and he remains active in engaging readers through signings and his author presence in Southern Indiana's Brown County.
Flight 853 stands as a compelling, sobering read in historical nonfiction with a ghostly twist, its deep dive into a forgotten Midwestern tragedy and its lingering echoes making it essential for enthusiasts of aviation disasters, true hauntings, and stories of human resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Phil Stephens' grounded yet evocative style solidifies this as a powerful addition to his diverse canon—perfect for those drawn to the intersection of history's darkest moments and the supernatural whispers that follow.
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