Maine Warden Service pilot killed in Avon plane crash identified
WMTW • • nation
Key Points:
- Joshua Tibbetts, a 50-year-old Maine Warden Service pilot, died in a plane crash near Schoolhouse Pond in Avon, Franklin County, while working alone to stock fish in western Maine.
- The crash involved a Cessna 185F aircraft, and strong winds were reported at the time, with witnesses noting the plane struggled against the wind and flew very low near the mountains.
- Emergency responders confirmed Tibbetts' death, and his body was recovered by helicopter; the FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, with investigators arriving at the crash site soon after.
- Tibbetts had served with the Maine Warden Service since 2008 and was promoted to game warden pilot in November 2023, supporting search and rescue, law enforcement, and wildlife conservation across the state.
- Maine officials, including Governor Janet Mills, expressed deep condolences, highlighting the risks faced by wardens and first responders and mourning the significant loss to the department and community.