Mineral Spring Airport | New England Aviation History

North Providence, R. I. – May 21, 1949

February 2, 2023

North Providence, Rhode Island – May 21, 1949

On May 21, 1949, a 48-year-old pilot left Laconia, New Hampshire, in a small two-seat Cessna airplane with one passenger aboard, bound for Mineral Spring Airport in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The aircraft landed safely at the airport and the passenger got out. The pilot then took off again bound for Hillsgrove Airport. ( Today known as T. F. Green Airport.) Just after takeoff, the motor sputtered and stalled. Unable to restart the motor, the aircraft crashed in a vacant lot off Angell Road and flipped on its back. There was no fire, and the pilot was not injured.

Source: Providence Sunday Journal, “Providence Airman Uninjured In Crash” May 22, 1949, page 11.

Mineral Spring Airport, R. I.

February 2, 2023

Mineral Spring Airport is one of Rhode Island’s lost/forgotten airfields. It opened in the summer of 1945 and was in business until 1955. It was named for Mineral Spring Avenue which is the main thoroughfare through the town of North Providence. Despite being named Mineral Spring Airport, it was actually located on Angell Road in the town of Lincoln, just over the North Providence town line.

The airport appears to have been operated by American Aircraft Inc., and was known for renting small planes such as Piper Cubs, Taylorcraft, and Aeroncas, and giving flight lessons.

In 1951 the State of Rhode Island opened North Central Airport on the Lincoln – Smithfield town line. At the same time the former Smithfield Airport was still in operation.

Click on map to enlarge.