Groton, CT. – May 2, 1929

Groton, Connecticut – May 2, 1929 

     This accident occurred at the Groton Airport. 

     At about 4 o’clock on the afternoon of May 2, 1929, a man connected with the Red Wing Flying Circus, was attempting to crank over an aircraft’s propeller while the pilot sat in the cockpit at the controls.  On the first try the engine appeared as if it had failed to start, so the man stepped forward for another try.  As he did so the engine suddenly came to life, and the propeller struck him in the right leg and hurled him through the air a considerable distance. 

     The man suffered a fractured leg and internal injuries.  He was transported to a hospital in New London.       

     The injured man had only been with the “circus” for a week. 

     Source:

     The New Britain Herald, “Plane Propeller Breaks Man’s Leg”, May 3, 1929

 

Groton, CT. – August 3, 1928

Groton, Connecticut – August 3, 1928

     On the morning of August 3, 1928, famous performer Fred Stone flew a private biplane from his summer residence in Lyme, Connecticut, to the newly opened airport in Groton.  With him was his daughter Paula, and his flight instructor.  Stone held a student flyers license and needed to practice solo flying to obtain his pilot certification.  After arriving in Groton, Stone took off alone for a short solo flight.  About ten minutes later, as he was returning to the airfield, the motor suddenly stopped and the plane went into a nose dive and crashed.  Stone was trapped in the wreckage  with serious injuries and after his extrication, was transported to a hospital in New London. 

     Source:

     The Evening Star, (Washington, D. C.), “Fred Stone Injured In Crash Flying For Pilots License”, August 3, 1928.  

     New York Times, “Injuries May Keep Fred Stone Off Stage”, August 5, 1928 

     Nashua Telegraph, “Fred Stone Has Even Chance To Dance Again” (with photo of wrecked plane), August 7, 1928, page 6

     To learn more about Fred Stone, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Stone    

 

Groton, CT. – June 12, 1945

Groton, Connecticut – June 12, 1945

 

SB2C Helldiver
U.S. Navy Photo

     On June 12, 1945, a navy SB2C Helldiver, (Bu. No. 20916), was landing at Groton Field in strong gusty winds when the aircraft ground-looped at high speed, causing major damage to the aircraft.  Neither the pilot or the gunner aboard were injured.

     Source: U. S. Navy accident report dated June 12, 1945    

Off Groton, CT. – July 31, 1979

Off Groton, Connecticut – July 31, 1979

     On Sunday, July, 29, 1979, a California man and his two teenaged sons, 13, and 16, left California on a cross-country vacation flight in a Piper PA-30 Twin-Comanche, (N8602Y).  Their ultimate destination was Maine, with planned stops along the way.  On the morning of July 31, the aircraft attempted to land at Groton-New London Airport in heavy fog conditions.  The pilot aborted the first attempt, and turned to go around again.  As the aircraft was making its second approach from over the water towards Runway 5, it crashed and sank about 150 yards southeast of Pine Island, about 1/4 mile from the airport.  There were no survivors. 

     Sources:

     The Day, (New London), “Doctor, Two Sons Are Crash Victims”, August 1, 1979, page 1.    

     The Day, (New London), “Guidance System: Factor In Crash?”, August 1, 1979, page 1. (With map of crash site.) 

      The Day, (New London), “Crash Still Puzzles Probers”, August 3, 1979, page 1.  (With photo of aircraft.)

     Norwich Bulletin, “Shroud Of Bay Fog Covers Recovery Site”, August 3, 1979, page 19

     Norwich Bulletin, “Hulk Of Ill-Fated Aircraft Retrieved”, August 3, 1979, page 19.

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