Groton, CT. – December 15, 1977

Groton, Connecticut – December 15, 1977

     On the evening of December 15, 1977, a Learjet with a pilot and one passenger aboard was attempting to land at Groton-New London Airport in foggy weather when it glanced off some tree tops near the end of the runway.  The pilot immediately pulled the aircraft up, and radioed Quonset Control Tower in Rhode Island of the situation, and advised he needed an airport with a longer runway and rescue equipment standing by.  He was directed to land at T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, R.I.  He landed at T. F. Green without further incident at 7:30 p.m.  Nobody aboard the aircraft was injured, however, the plane had suffered damage to its nose, wings, and engine housing from striking the trees in Groton.

     Source:

     Providence Journal Bulletin, “Jet Hits Trees At Groton, Then Lands At Green”, December 16, 1977, page C-8    

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