Sterling, Massachusetts, Airport – February 12, 1970 

 

     On February 9, 1970, a small aircraft with two men aboard took off from Sterling Airport bound for Nashua, New Hampshire, and disappeared en-route.  A search was instituted which involved Civil Air Patrol Aircraft. 

     Three days later, on February 12, a Civil Air Patrol Aircraft taking part in the search took off from Sterling Airport.  The pilot was Stewart C. Woodworth, 50, of Weston, Mass., and his observer was Stephen Nottonson, 33, of Newton, Mass.

     According to a witness, just after leaving the ground, the aircraft circled back toward the runway, and upon landing, collided with another airplane (with nobody aboard) that was parked on the runway.  The C.A. P. aircraft burst into flame, and two onlookers ran forward and managed to rescue Nottonson before the flames drove them back.  Mr. Woodworth perished in the accident.

     The missing plane was later found by snowmobilers taking part in the search.

     Sources:

     Providence Evening Bulletin, “Search Pilot Dies In Fiery Crash”, February 13, 1970   

     Providence Journal, “Missing Plane, 2 Dead Fliers Found In Mass.”, February 13, 1970