Low frequency, high drama RI's deadliest airplane deaths since 1962

An airplane crash on Block Island resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries, marking another troubling incident in the island's aviation history. The crash has raised critical safety concerns regarding the adequacy of the runway's length for landing and takeoff. Questions have also been raised about the elderly pilot's age, prompting discussions on whether regulations regarding pilot qualifications should be tightened. Local officials are urged to conduct a thorough review of safety protocols at the remote runway to prevent future accidents. This incident reflects broader issues of aviation safety across Rhode Island, where several crashes have occurred since 1962.

Notably, the National Transportation Safety Board has reported a series of similar incidents in the region. Residents are advocating for enhanced oversight and stricter regulations to ensure pilot competency and runway safety. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for immediate action to address these critical safety concerns.