Cumberland County, Maine – June 24, 2012
A pilot died after crashing into a tree and then attempting to climb down from the wreck on Mill Road Sunday.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 75-year-old William G. Gaddis had just taken off from the private airstrip he owned when he lost control of his airplane and crashed into a tree. While suspended from that tree, Mr. Gaddis attempted to free himself and fell more than 35 feet to the ground.
Mr. Gaddis was flown to Maine Medical Center where he died from his injuries. No one else was involved in the crash.
Officials are conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of this incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports that 268 fatal general aviation crashes occurred in the United States in 2010, resulting in 457 deaths.
If you would like an official copy of the police report, request a copy with this form.
