Madison, Connecticut – June 25, 1983

     On June 25, 1983, the third annual Shoreline Aviation Airshow was was in progress at Griswold Airport in Madison, Connecticut.  As part of the show, a 37-year-old stunt pilot from West Hartford, Conn. was performing a series of loops and rolls in a Bellanca Decathlon.  While doing so, the aircraft was seen to crash along the shoreline of the nearby Hammonasett River.  Two men in a small boat were nearby at the time of the accident and immediately went to the pilot’s aid.  The cockpit was under water, but the two men managed to keep the pilot’s head above water until more help arrived.  A rope was tied to the tail of the plane, and with the help of dozens of spectators, the aircraft was pulled from the river and the pilot freed.  The pilot was transported to a hospital in critical condition, and succumbed to his injuries four days later.

     Sources:

     Providence Evening Bulletin, “Man Sensed Plane Accident”, date believed to be June 27, 1983.   

     The Sun, (Westerly, R.I.), Photo with caption, June 27, 1983, page 1

     Aviation Safety Network, Wikibase #42496