Photographer Recalls PSA Crash 30-Years Ago

SAN DIEGO -- It was the defining image of an historic tragedy.

The stunning photo of Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 seconds before it crashed in a North Park neighborhood.

10News Digital Correspondent, Ron Tuatagaloa, spoke to the man who captured two incredible images 30-years ago.

The eyes of Hans Wendt have seen much during his long career as a photographer. But nothing could prepare him for September 25, 1978. He was taking pictures for the county on University and Boundary.

"We heard this explosion and this crash in the air and looked up. I saw the PSA airliner first. I never saw the little Cessna. I got two shots of the PSA airliner crashing," said Wendt in an interview Wednesday.

A lifelong aviation buff and the son of a military pilot, Wendt knew the plane was doomed.

"I could see a big chunk of the leading edge of the wing was taken out and I knew that the plane couldn't do anything but crash. I didn't think anyone could survive a crash like that. And they didn't," Wendt recalled.

It was the deadliest aviation disaster in U.S. history at the time. And at the right place and right time, Wendt snapped two pristine shots of the airliner before impact. He was shocked by the lack of interest in the pictures from local media.

"Only one guy was interested and his newspaper got the 24-hour exclusive on the picture. All this happened before anyone saw the picture," Wendt told 10News.

Millions have seen the pictures now. They've brought Wendt fame, a modest fortune, and a permanent place in photographic history. But he said he won't mind when that spotlight dims.

"I like to not think about it. I keep hoping that everything's over with that I don't have to worry about it anymore. But that doesn't seem to be happening, does it? Here you are," Wendt said.