Fall River, Massachusetts – April 19, 1973
On April 19, 1973, a Piper Cherokee, (N7577R), with two men aboard, a student-pilot, and his instructor, were making a training flight over the city of Fall River when the fuel supply in one tank ran low. When the instructor attempted to switch to the other fuel tank he discovered the switching device was broken. The instructor then attempted to glide the plane towards an open sand pit area, but towards the end of the glide the plane began glancing off tree tops about 150 feet from the pit. The plane then nosed over and dove into the ground, tearing the wings off in the process. Both men were injured, but not seriously.
The plane crashed about 300 yards off Bell Rock Road in the eastern portion of the city. Fortunately there was no fire, and the instructor was able to walk to a nearby house and ask for help.
Source:
Fall River Herald News, “Two Men narrowly Miss Death In Plane Crash”, April 20, 1973, page 1 (with photo)
Westerly Sun, (R.I.), Two Men Injured In Plane Crash” April 20, 1973, page 8
