NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Airport manager Bruce Goff told the airport commission that the derelict plane that had flipped over in 2022 has been completely removed from the airport campus.

 

"On April 21, he had the fuselage put on a flatbed and towed away," Goff told the commission Tuesday. "I like having aircraft here, but if they are here, I want them to be in working condition. So I am happy to see it go."

 

During a windstorm last year, the plane was completely flipped over. The city had to call a towing company to right the plane. The city could not contact the owner so they footed the $5,000 bill.

 

The city did eventually contact the plane owner hoping to recoup funds, however, the plane owner said he had no intention of paying the bill as he did not have the money.

 

Since then, the owner has been allowed at the airport only to dismantle and remove the aircraft. 

 

There was talk of putting a lien on the airplane, but Goff said it was not worth the city's time as the plane's value would likely not even cover the cost of the towing bill.

 

Airport user Mike Milazzo said there is another derelict airplane at the airport the commission should consider removing.

 

"There are airplane parts under the wing, and there is a tarp that is loose and flying around," he said. "...At some point that plane will be a problem."

 

Goff gave his manager's report and said currently he has issued 65 airport badges.

 

"I think we are doing pretty well, and I know a few pilots who still haven't applied, but I think we have a good number right now," he said. "I haven't heard any complaints about access."

 

The airport revamped its badge system and cleaned up membership. Before there were multiple unaccounted badges, and it was unclear if some members were active or alive.

 

Continuing, Goff said on April 20, there were reports of a missing ten-year-old Pine Cobble student. 

 

State Police used the airport to fuel their helicopter and airport staff monitored the air making sure there was no activity where they were conducting their search.

 

The boy was found safely.

 

Goff said the airport is having an issue with geese and acquired the services of an airport user's dog, Ava, to chase them away.

 

"Geese and aircraft do not mix, and we have spent a considerable amount of time and effort in harassing these geese off the airport as many as four times a day," he said. "Ava loves chasing geese and was very helpful."

 

Goff said the geese will continue to be a problem, and he is in the process of applying for a depredation permit. He said it is just too dangerous for geese to inhabit airports.

 

"A goose can do so much damage to a small aircraft. It would not be good if we had an accident here," he said.