Smithfield, Rhode Island – August 19, 1970
Updated July 6, 2017
At 9:35 p.m., on August 19, 1970, an single-engine Ercoupe Model E, (N94832), took off from runway 23 at North Central State Airport in Smithfield. According to witnesses, shortly thereafter, the plane made two left turns, as if the pilot was attempting to land back on the runway. Then the plane suddenly exploded in mid-air and nose-dived into a wooded area off Lime Rock Road. The lone pilot did not survive.
One theory considered by investigators was that the pilot had experienced engine trouble.
Sources:
Woonsocket Call, “Plane Crash Victim Believed Johnston Man”, August 20, 1970, Pg. 1
Providence Journal, “Man Killed In Burning Plane Crash”, August 20, 1970 (with photo)
Providence Evening Bulletin, “Pilot Killed As Plane Explodes, Crashes In Smithfield Woods”, August 20, 1970, page 2 (with photo)
