Plane parked at Keene airport flipped, totaled by Monday’s storm

June 20--NORTH SWANZEY -- A plane parked at the Keene-owned Dillant-Hopkins Airport is a total loss after Monday's storm, according to its owner.

Jason R. Cardinale, who lives in Winchester and owns J & J Trailers and Truck Equipment, said his plane flipped over due to strong winds during thunderstorms Monday evening, which downed trees throughout the region and left thousands without power across the state.

Cardinale said he had owned the plane for about 11 years, since he began piloting, and had never seen this degree of storm damage to the aircraft before.

"I know storms like that can do that to planes," he said.

A friend who works at the airport called to tell him what had happened, Cardinale said. No one was injured when it flipped, he said.

"One big thing we are very grateful is that no one was hurt," Cardinale said. "The plane can be replaced, but people are a different story."

Cardinale had a full insurance policy on the plane and is now deciding whether to purchase a new aircraft or join a flying club, he said.

"I will be back flying, and my 12 year old son Ian, is wanting to learn when he is old enough," he said.

Swanzey fire officials were unreachable for more information this morning. John G. "Jack" Wozmak, the airport's manager, was also unreachable for comment.

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