Kingston MA Pilot Identified After Fatal Plane Crash in Plymouth State Forest

Plymouth Ma-The pilot who lost his life after a small plane crashed into a pond in Plymouth on Thursday morning has been identified as 81-year-old Richard Carrara of Kingston, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

The fatal crash happened shortly before 7:40 a.m. when emergency dispatchers received reports that a small aircraft had gone down in Curlew Pond, located inside Myles Standish State Forest. The heavily wooded area, known for its remote trails and ponds, made the rescue effort challenging as first responders worked quickly to reach the crash site.

Plymouth Police, Plymouth Fire Department, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and the Plymouth County Dive Team responded to the scene. Rescue crews located the overturned aircraft partially submerged in the water and found Carrara trapped inside the cockpit. Divers entered the pond and were able to remove him from the wreckage before he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, he later died from his injuries.

Investigators said Carrara had taken off from Plymouth Municipal Airport at approximately 6:32 a.m. in a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a single-engine aircraft commonly used for recreational flying, flight training, and bush flying. He was reportedly headed to Martha’s Vineyard, but for reasons that remain under investigation, the plane turned back toward Plymouth only minutes into the flight.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing the aircraft’s engine sputtering before seeing it descend rapidly toward the water. Officials have not confirmed whether the pilot experienced a mechanical problem or another emergency before the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation. Federal investigators will examine the wreckage, review the aircraft’s maintenance history, analyze weather conditions, and interview witnesses in an effort to determine what caused the crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the investigation, and no other injuries were reported.

The crash remains under investigation, with the NTSB expected to issue a preliminary report in the coming weeks. A final report identifying the probable cause could take several months to complete.