Lincoln, Rhode Island – June 22, 1982

     On the evening of June 22, 1982, a lone 42-year-old pilot took off from North Central State Airport in Smithfield, R. I. for a pleasure flight in his home-built, Davis model DA-2A, with the word “Experimental” on the side.  The plans for building such aircraft, it was reported, were available through magazines, and the pilot had built his in 1978.  It was approved by the FAA and the pilot had flown the aircraft many times without incident.

     About fifteen minutes into the flight the aircraft developed engine trouble, and crashed on the green near the sixth hole at Lincoln Country Club on Dexter Rock Road.   The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed instantly, but nobody on the ground was injured.

     One witness reported hearing a loud “pop” from the engine just before the crash. 

     Sources:

     Woonsocket Call, “Pilot Is Killed In Lincoln Crash”, June 23, 1982

     Pawtucket Evening Times, “A Sputter And It Was All Over”, June 23, 1982, page 1. (With photo)

     Pawtucket Evening Times, “Plane Crash Puzzles Pilots”, June 23, 1982, page 24

     Providence Evening Bulletin, “Pilot Killed In Lincoln Plane Crash”, June 23, 1982, page A-11, (With Photo)

     The Sun, (Westerly, RI), “Victim Of Airplane Crash Was An Experienced Pilot”, June 24, 1982, page 16