East Hartford, Connecticut – February 28, 1960
On February 28, 1960, 1st Lt. John K. Rude, Jr., 24, was piloting a National Guard helicopter over the East Hartford area when the aircraft suddenly developed engine trouble. With little time to react, Lt. Rude set the helicopter down in a cemetery located in a crowded residential area. Upon making the emergency landing the rotor blades were seriously damaged when they lopped off the top of a tall monument. There were no injuries, and Lt. Rude was praised for his handling of the emergency situation and avoiding nearby homes.
The helicopter had been in the air for a couple of hours on a routine training flight out of Brainard Field when the trouble developed. Damage was estimated to be $15,000.
Source:
New London Day, “Waterford Pilot Safely Lands Disabled ‘Copter”, February 29, 1960
