Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

A small airplane made an emergency landing in an empty field in Cumberland near Nate Whipple Highway at about 8:30 this morning, but the police said the only person aboard was the Rhode Island pilot, who was uninjured.

According to the police, a single engine Piper aircraft landed at Schofield Farm, which abuts Route 120, on property that is now owned by the town. The plane crashed into some trees at the edge of the property and damage to the plane was extensive, said Deputy Police Chief Michael Kinch.

Officials declined to identify the pilot, but records indicate the plane is registered to Tri Radial Flyers, LLC, of Tiverton, RI.

James Warcup, an aeronautics inspector for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, said his agency and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident.

According to Warcup, the pilot left T.F. Green airport at about 8 a.m. intending to fly to New Hampshire. About a quarter of the way through the flight, the pilot experienced engine problems while in Boston airspace. The pilot turned around and tried to land at North Central State Airport in Smithfield, but decided he couldn't make it that far, Warcup said.

"The pilot elected to make a forced landing in a wide open field in Cumberland," Warcup said.

Jennifer D. Jordan

The Providence Journal Staff Writer

Jennifer D. Jordan

The Providence Journal Staff Writer

 Tags  Cumberland

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