from author and historian Jim Ignasher
Warwick, Rhode Island – November 10, 1942
Curtiss P-40
U.S. Air Force Photo
On the morning of November 10, 1942, a U.S. Army P-40E fighter aircraft, (Ser. No. 41-24794), crased just after takeoff at the Hillsgrove Army Air Field. The plane came down south of the airport on the eastern side of Cedar Swamp Road. The reason for the crash was not stated. The plane was damaged, but the pilot was not injured.
Source:
Evening Bulletin, “Pilot Uninjured In Airport Crash”, November 10, 1942.
Warwick, Rhode Island – April 6, 1943
On April 6, 1943, a U.S. Army P-47C (41-6321) was coming in to land at Hillsgrove Army Air Field when the pilot overshot the runway and crashed into a private home at 252 Strawberry Field Road. The plane tore into the structure seriously injuring a 70-year-old woman sitting in the living room. Her two grandchildren had just left the room and gone into the kitchen moments before the crash occurred. They were not injured.
The pilot had shut off the engine just before striking the house thereby averting a fire. He crawled from the cockpit with only a scratch to the back of his neck. He was assigned to the 340th Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group.
The house suffered extensive damage and was knocked off its foundation.
Sources:
Pawtucket Times, “Woman Hurt As Plane Rips Into Dwelling”, April 7, 1943, Pg. 1
Providence Journal, “Army Plane Smashes House In Warwick; Woman Injured”, April 7, 1943, Pg. 1
Return to Top ▲