Wellesley Pilot Escapes Uninjured When Classic Biplane Crashes at Norwood Airport-September 10, 1976

A Wellesley pilot miraculously escaped physical injury when his vintage World War II training biplane skidded during takeoff at Norwood Airport, ground-looped, and crashed nose-down just off the active runway.

Crash Details and Emergency Response

The aviation accident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. as James C. Fullerton, 49, of Sagamore Road, Wellesley, attempted a takeoff in a classic Steerman biplane. According to airport manager Arnold Stymest, Fullerton is a member of the Steerman Flying Club, which owns the historic aircraft based at Norwood Airport. While Fullerton walked away completely uninjured from the harrowing mishap, the vintage trainer sustained an estimated $4,000 in structural damage.

Emergency dispatches initially triggered a high-priority response to a reported “plane fire.” Norwood Fire Chief Leo Coughlin and Lieutenant Robert Malloy, alongside eight firefighters, rushed to the scene with three emergency vehicles. Upon arrival, emergency crews found no active fire; their role was limited to assisting in righting the nose-down aircraft and securing the scene.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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