Massachusetts Airplane Accident | New England Aviation History

Webster, MA – June 17, 1952

April 23, 2015

Webster, Massachusetts – June 17, 1952

On June 17, 1952, Joseph S. Knapik was flying his two-seater aircraft from Troy, New York, to Whitinsville Airport when the engine stalled while he was 1,100 feet over Webster. He attempted to glide the plane down, but it hit a cable strung across Webster Lake between the mainland and Killdeer Island, and dove into the water. Knipik was rescued by a couple in a nearby rowboat, and the plane was later towed to shore by a motorboat.

Webster Lake is also known by another name, Lake Chaubunagungamaug, which has also been spelled different ways.

Source:

Woonsocket Call, “Plane Dives Into Webster Lake, But Uxbridge Flier Is Unhurt”, June 18, 1952, Pg. 2

Haverhill, MA – October 14, 1921

April 20, 2015

Haverhill, Massachusetts – October 14, 1921

On October 14, 1921, Peter Pomerleau and Joseph H. Harrison were flying over Haverhill when their seaplane developed engine trouble. The sputtering motor was heard by high school football players as the plane passed overhead.

Pomerleau tried to land the plane in the Merrimac (Merrimack) River, but lost altitude too quickly and crashed into trees at the waters edge off Riverside Avenue. The plane was wrecked and both men were trapped inside. They were pulled free by members of the football team who rushed to the scene after witnessing the accident. Both suffered serious injuries and were transported to Hale Hospital by automobile.

Source: Woonsocket Call, “Two Flyers Injured In Merrimac Glide”, October 15, 1921.