Jamestown, Rhode Island – July 1, 1976
Off Beavertail Light
As part of America’s 1976 bicentennial celebration, a flotilla of tall ships comprising sailing vessels from around the world made their way to the United States and down the east coast. On July 1, 1976, after visiting Newport, the ships left Rhode Island for New York. As they were passing for review just off the coast of Jamestown near Beavertail Light, two private aircraft narrowly missed having a mid-air collision. As one aircraft flew on, the other was seen going down into the water about 50 yards off the eastern shore of Beavertail Park. It sank immediately and no survivors were seen in the water.
The downed aircraft, a Piper PA-28, (N9184K) was piloted by Charles Kramos, of Barrington, R.I. His body was later recovered by divers. The other aircraft was not identified.
Sources:
(Meriden Ct.) The Morning Record, “Plane Crashes While Circling Ship Parade”, July 2, 1976
(New London, Ct.) The Day, “Plane Crash Mars Start Of Tall Ships”, July 2, 1976, Pg. 19