Block Island Sound – June 19, 1965

Block Island Sound – June 19, 1965

     On June 19, 1965, a Waterford, Connecticut, man left New London – Waterford Airport in a four-passenger Piper Comanche  bound for Montauk Point, Long Island, New York.   Ten minutes into the trip the aircraft developed engine trouble.  The pilot attempted to radio a distress call on an emergency frequency monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration, rescue facilities, and airport control towers, but nobody acknowledged receiving the call.   When the engine lost all power the pilot was forced to make an emergency water landing about three miles off Fisher’s Island, New York.  The plane remained afloat for several minutes before sinking, during which time the pilot was able to stand on the wing and search for any passing boats but didn’t see any.  After donning two life jackets, he began to swim towards Fisher’s Island.  The water temperature was about 50 degrees, and after the first hour he began to tire. Finally a passing charter boat, Skipjack, happened upon him and he was rescued.  Ironically, the boat’s captain was a former neighbor of the downed airman.       

     Source:

     New London Day, “Waterford Man Rescued As Plane Sinks In Sea”, June 22, 1965 

 

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