Chaplin, Connecticut – November 27, 1954
At about 10:45 p.m. on the night of November 27, 1954, two men took off from North Central Airport in Smithfield, Rhode Island, in a two-seat Ercoupe bound for Brainard Field in Hartford, Connecticut. While in route they encountered a heavy rainstorm and the plane crashed in the woods of the Natchaug State Park.
Local residents later stated that they’d heard the sound of a low flying aircraft and had seen its lights as it circled over the area. As they watched, the plane seemed to suddenly gain altitude before nose-diving into the woods. Authorities were alerted and a search and rescue operation was begun.
The wreckage was spotted from the air at daybreak on the morning of the 28th, and when rescue parties reached the scene they found both occupants deceased.
Sources:
Windham County Observer & Putnam Patriot: “Two Men Killed As Plane Crashes At Natchaug Park”, December 1, 1954.
Putnam Patriot: “Chaplin Plane Crash Kills Two; Found On Sunday”, December 2, 1954
