A small aircraft crash in a pond in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has resulted in the tragic death of its pilot, Richard Carrara, aged 81. The incident occurred on July 16, when local authorities were alerted to the crash at Myles Standish State Park shortly after 7:40 a.m.
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According to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, initial investigations indicate that Carrara departed from Plymouth Municipal Airport at approximately 6:32 a.m. The plane, understood to be a Piper PA-18, was reportedly returning to the airport after a brief flight to Martha’s Vineyard when the accident took place.
Witnesses described hearing the engine of the aircraft sputter before witnessing it plunge into the water, with a loud splash occurring shortly thereafter. Bystanders, eager to assist, quickly launched their kayaks and paddled towards the overturned plane in an attempt to rescue the entrapped pilot before first responders arrived on the scene.
John Gurney, one of those who tried to help, recounted the harrowing experience of seeing Carrara trapped within the aircraft, his windshield shattered and the cockpit submerged. “It was full of water. You’re out there helpless,” Gurney expressed, highlighting the urgency he felt to save the pilot despite the challenging conditions. His group attempted to flip the plane over and draw it closer to the shore, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
James Campbell, another witness, mentioned that the aircraft went down almost centrally within the pond, suggesting that Carrara had made a concerted effort to avoid any nearby residences or individuals. “He’s definitely a good pilot,” Campbell stated, acknowledging Carrara’s decision to land in a location that mitigated risk to others.
Emergency services eventually managed to extricate Carrara from the cockpit, and he was quickly transported to a local hospital. However, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, around 8:56 a.m., according to police reports.
Carrara, a resident of Kingston, was remembered fondly by friends and acquaintances. Kenneth Fosdick, a longtime friend, described him as an accomplished pilot and a veteran who flew in Vietnam. Fosdick praised Carrara’s expertise in aviation and construction, noting that he had even built hangars, including one that was reportedly utilised by the Massachusetts State Police.
In light of the incident, investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently underway to determine the cause of the crash. The authorities have not yet released specific details about what might have led to the aircraft’s emergency landing.
The local community mourns the loss of Carrara, who was not only an experienced aviator but also a well-respected figure among his peers. His dedication to aviation and his legacy as a war veteran will likely be remembered throughout the region.
As updates to the investigation emerge, further information regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident is anticipated. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, despite the deep skills possessed by experienced pilots like Carrara.