Smithfield, Rhode Island – May 26, 1935 

    On the afternoon of May 26, 1935, a 42-year-0ld East Greenwich man took off from the Smithfield Airport in a Curtiss biplane and began to circle the field.  As he was doing so the aircraft lost flying speed and stalled. It dove nose first into the ground onto the estate of Charles C. Gardiner, and was demolished.  The aircraft was equipped with two tandem cockpits, and the lone pilot had been flying from the rear cockpit.  It was felt that the pilot had survived due to his position in the plane.   The pilot’s injuries consisted of  cuts, bruises, a broken nose, and ribs.   

     Word of the accident spread quickly, and before long dozens of local citizens were flocking to the airport.      

     The accident was investigated by Major Charles R. Blake of the Rhode Island State Police, and an unnamed inspector from the U. S. Department of Commerce. 

     The Smithfield Airport was located where the Bryant University Campus is located today. 

     Source:   

     The Woonsocket Call & Evening Reporter, “Aviator Survives Plane Crash At Smithfield Airport”, May 27, 1935, pg. 1.