from author and historian Jim Ignasher
Gardner, Massachusetts – October 12, 1987
On the afternoon of October 12, 1987, a single-engine Cessna 150, (N50342), with two men aboard, was making practice “touch-and-go” landings at Gardner Airport. After making its third landing, the aircraft was taking off again when it nosed over and crashed on a dirt road near the airport. Both men perished in the accident.
Source:
Daily Hampshire Gazette, (Northampton, Mass.), “Plane Crash Kills Two Brothers”, October 13, 1987, page 19. (With photo)
Gardner, Massachusetts – July 29, 1966
F-84 Thunderjet – U.S. Air Force Photo
On July 29, 1966, a Massachusetts Air National Guard F-84 fighter jet left Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, for a routine training flight. The pilot was Captain Daniel Palucca, assigned to the 104th Tactical Fighter Group based at Barnes. Shortly before noon, while flying over the town of Gardner, the aircraft began experiencing mechanical difficulties to the extent that maintaining control became impossible. Captain Palucca aimed the aircraft away from the densely populated area of town and ejected.
The F-84 crashed into a wooded area where Jackson Hill Road and Kendall Street meet. It broke into numerous pieces and burned. Captain Palucca landed safely several yards off Route 2A near the Skorko junkyard not far from the Westminster town line with only minor injuries.
Source:
The Gardner News, (Gardner, Mass.), “Plane Crashes, Explodes On Jackson Hill Rd. – Pilot Parachutes To Safety Shortly Before Impact, Avoids Homes In Area”, July 29, 1966
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