East Hartford, Connecticut – August 8, 1949

     On August 8, 1949, a twin-motor Beechcraft airplane with a pilot and six passengers aboard was taking off from Rentschler Field in East Hartford, when it crashed and burned on takeoff.   The plane had been bound for Monmouth Park Race Track in New Jersey. 

     All seven were transported to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.  One woman passed away from her injuries two hours later, and a second woman succumbed to her injuries the following day.  The other five people were reported to be “improving”.    

     Sources:

     The Evening Star, (Washington, D. C.), “Mrs. Clifford Strike Killed, Six Hurt In Plane Crash”, August 9, 1949, page A-3.  

    The Evening Star, “Death Of Woman Golfer Second After Plane Crash”, August 10, 1949, page A-6.