Spill Response to Private Plane Crash at Norwood Country Club

On April 24, 2006, a privately-owned Mooney passenger aircraft taking off from Norwood Airport crashed-landed at the Norwood Country Club, causing a release of aviation fuel and engine oil to the abutting golf course adjacent to wetlands. Wheatstone’s LSP, Carl Shapiro, responded to the release on behalf of United States Aviation Underwriters, Inc. and USAIG, managing remediation activities for the impacted wetlands and preparing a Response Action Outcome Statement within 60 days of the release.

 

According to the Fire Department Report, the pilot stated that the engine started sputtering after reaching an altitude of about 250 feet. The engine failed and caused the aircraft to hit a barbed chain link fence separating the airport from the Norwood Country Club, and crashed onto the 12^th fairway of the golf course. The aircraft engine and propeller were completely torn away from the fuselage, but the pilot was able to walk away from the accident. The pilot’s side fuel tank was ruptured during the crash, spilling approximately 30 gallons of 100 octane aviation fuel from one fuel tank. Initial response actions were completed by the local fire department, while Mr. Shapiro managed emergency response services.

 

The aviation fuel-impacted soil, and additional soil affected by motor/hydraulic oil engine drippings, were excavated and shipped offsite under a Massachusetts Bill of Lading. The remaining aviation fuel from an intact fuel tank located in the wing of the plane was drummed and shipped for disposal under a Hazardous Waste Manifest.

 

Based on the response actions conducted at the subject Site, including soil removal activities and soil and groundwater environmental assessment, a Permanent Solution has been achieved and Site conditions satisfy the requirements of a Class A-1 RAO. The levels of contaminants have been reduced to background, and the existing Site conditions pose No Significant Risk in accordance with the MCP.