Fairfield Connecticut History | New England Aviation History

Fairfield, CT. – August 18, 1902

May 10, 2023

Fairfield, Connecticut – August 18, 1902

On the evening of August 18, 1902, well known aeronaut and performer Clarence C. Bonnette was performing a balloon ascension and parachute drop at a carnival in the Southport section of Fairfield. The performance was going well until he dropped from the balloon. Just as he was about to land, the parachute became entangled in live electrical wires and his clothing caught fire. Bonnette was able to disentangle himself, but not before he was severely burned on his left leg and side.

Source: The Waterbury (CT.) Democrat, August 19, 1902

To learn more about Mr. Bonnette, click here.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: C. C. Bonnette Aeronaut, C. C. Bonnette Balloonist, C. C. Bonnette Performer, Connecticut Parachute Accident, Fairfield Connecticut History

Fairfield. CT. – May 29, 1975

August 3, 2018

Fairfield, Connecticut – May 29, 1975

On the afternoon of May 29, 1975, a Beechcraft T-34 trainer airplane belonging to the Connecticut Civil Air Patrol took off from Bridgeport Airport for a routine flight with two people aboard. At about 5:00 p.m., the airplane was seen to be circling low over the Southport Harbor area of Fairfield for several minutes, and its engine was heard to be running erratically. Then the aircraft lost power and crashed into the harbor killing both people aboard. Their identities were withheld by the press.

Source:

Hartford Courant, “Harbor Plane Crash Kills 2; 4 Unhurt In other Mishap”, May 30, 1975

Filed Under: Connecticut – Civil Tagged With: Civil Air Patrol Plane Crash, Connecticut Civil Air Patrol Crash, Connecticut Civil Air Patrol Fatality, Connecticut Civil Air Patrol History, Fairfield Connecticut History, Fairfield Connecticut Plane Crash, Southport Harbor Plane Crash