North Central Airport – June 24, 1978
Smithfield, Rhode Island
On June 25, 1978, a local man went to North Central State Airport to fly his aircraft, a Grumman AA-1A, and discovered that the battery was dead. A 19-year-old mechanic went to assist, and attempted to hand-start the plane. When the engine suddenly kicked over, the propeller blade struck the mechanic in the head causing an open fracture to his skull. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery, but succumbed to his injuries on June 30th.
Sources:
Woonsocket Call, “Propeller Accident Injures Mechanic”, June 25, 1978.
NTSB Report #NYC78FNA32
