Woonsocket, Rhode Island – September 24, 1939

     On September 24, 1939, a pilot pulled down the propeller of his airplane to start the engine.  The engine came to life and the plane suddenly jumped its wheel chocks and began moving forward on its own with nobody at the controls. The pilot had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the spinning propeller.  The plane continued across the field towards a group of spectators with the pilot chasing after it.  He managed to grab a wingtip and dig his heels into the turf thereby putting the plane into a circle.  It’s tail lifted from the ground as the pilot made his way along the wing holding onto the plane.  He was finally able to climb aboard the wing and get to the controls and shut the engine off. 

     The pilot was treated for a leg injury.   

     Also injured was an eight-year-old boy who’d run onto the field and was struck by the tail as the plane was turning in a circle.  The injuries were not serious. 

     The pilot told the police officer who investigated the incident that he must have set the throttle for flying speed instead of idling when he spun the propeller. 

     Sources:

     Evening Bulletin, “Pilotless Plane Injures Two At Woonsocket Field”, September 25, 1939, pg. 13.

     Woonsocket Call, “Boy Injured By Pilot-less Plane”, September 25, 1939