Historical airplane loses power, flips over, crashes during World War I aviation event

STOW, Mass. — A historical airplane crashed after it lost power and flipped over onto its roof while trying to land during a World War I aviation event on Sunday, officials said.

At approximately 11:09 a.m., emergency crews responded to Barton Road after receiving reports of a plane crash in the area near the American Heritage Museum, a military history museum in neighboring Hudson.

When crews arrived, they found a World War I-era Nieuport 28, a single-engine plane, at the end of the runway that was upside down on its roof, police and fire officials said.

The single occupant, the airplane pilot, had removed himself from the plane before first responders arrived.

The pilot did not report any injuries but was evaluated at the scene as a precaution.

A preliminary investigation found that, while attempting to land at the American Heritage Museum, located at 568 Main St. in neighboring Hudson, the aircraft’s front landing gear failed causing the plane to flip over on its roof, police said.

The incident occurred during World War I & Aviation Weekend at the American Heritage Museum, which included flying demonstrations, according to museum officials.

On its website, the museum states that the aircraft “was reassembled at the American Heritage Museum in time for our WWI Aviation weekend in September 2022.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified about the crash, and will investigate further, officials said.

The museum issued a statement saying it is cooperating with the FAA in its investigation.

Hudson Police and Fire also responded to the scene on Sunday to assist.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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