Rhode Island Couple Identified in Fatal Plane Crash on Massachusetts Highway
A tragic aviation incident occurred on October 14, 2025, when a small single-engine plane crashed onto Interstate 195 (Route 195) in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, killing the two people on board. The victims have been identified as Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, both residents of Middletown, Rhode Island. The couple was piloting the aircraft, which was registered under the Air Charity Network.
Crash Details
- Location and Time: The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of I-195 near Exit 18, during stormy weather conditions with heavy rain and gusty winds.
- Impact: The plane struck the highway, broke apart, and scattered flaming debris across multiple lanes, causing a multi-vehicle pileup. A female driver on the ground was injured by debris and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; no other motorists were seriously hurt.
- Response: Massachusetts State Police, along with local fire and emergency services, responded immediately. The highway was closed for several hours for cleanup and investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the probe into the cause, with preliminary reports pointing to possible weather-related factors.
The Perkins were described by authorities as a married couple who owned the plane. This incident marks a somber reminder of the risks in general aviation, especially in adverse weather. Updates from the NTSB are expected in the coming days.