Holden, Massachusetts – April 25, 1961

     On April 25, 1961, a single engine, four-seat, Ryan Navion airplane, (Reg. No. N4850K),  took off from Hazelton, Penn., with a pilot and two passengers aboard.  The passengers were on their way to a business meeting in Boston.  While in route, the plane crashed in a swamp in Holden, where it buried itself in deep muck and exploded, killing all aboard.  The cause of the accident is unknown.

     The plane was reportedly at the bottom of an eight to ten foot crater that was filled with water.  Salvage workers attempted to uses pumps to clear the water for recovery efforts but were unsuccessful.  Divers attempted to attach a sling to the wreckage but were unsuccessful.  Finally a “power shovel” was brought in to make the recovery. 

     Sources:

     The Berkshire Eagle, “Plane Dug From Mire, Bodies Found.” April 28, 1961, pg. 2.  Article submitted by Eric Wiberg, author and historian. 

      Aviation Safety Network