Waterford Connecticut History | New England Aviation History

Waterford, CT. – March 10, 1976

September 1, 2018

Waterford, Connecticut – March 10, 1976

At about 2:55 p.m., on the afternoon of March 10, 1976, a Piper Cherokee 140, (N8752N), with a flight instructor and his student aboard crashed on take off from Waterford Airport when the engine lost power. The plane came down in a brushy area and there was no fire after the crash. The 53-year-old instructor was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital with broken bones, while the 52-year-old student suffered less severe injuries.

Source: New London Day, “Two Hurt As Plane Crashes”, March 11, 1976

Waterford, CT. – February 11, 1960

June 21, 2018

Waterford, Connecticut – February 11, 1960

On the evening of February 11, 1960, a twin-engine Piper aircraft with four men aboard was making its final approach to New London Airport in heavy fog conditions when it struck the tops of some trees. It then snagged a steel cable that ran across an unused granite quarry and plunged into the icy water in the quarry. The plane broke apart on impact and one man was able to escape. The other three did not.

The survivor, a 25-year-old man from Mystic, Connecticut, made his way to shore, found a foot path, and climbed out of the quarry. He then made his way to a private home where he was given assistance, and transported to a hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

The accident occurred in Flat Rock Quarry, also known as Ryan’s Quarry Pond, which at the time of the accident hadn’t been worked in 29 years. This quarry no longer exists, and today a shopping mall stands on the site.

Source:

The New London Day, “Three Die In Waterford Crash As Plane Plunges Into Quarry; Survivor’s Condition Critical”, February 12, 1960, page 1. (With photos of crash scene.)

The New London Day, “Just Kept Walking To Seek Assistance”, February 12, 1960, page 1.