Pilot Escapes with Minor Injuries After Plane Crashes on Moosehead Lake

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at approximately 8:55 AM, the Bangor Regional Communications Center was advised that an amphibious plane had crashed on Moosehead Lake in Greenville. Maine Game Wardens, local fire and rescue, Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the incident.

During Greenville’s annual International Seaplane Splash-In, pilot Barry Holtz (76) of Fairport, New York was attempting to land his Grumman G-44A Widgeon, a five-person, twin-engine, amphibious aircraft on to the lake when he crashed. Holtz was alone in the aircraft and received non-life-threatening facial injuries. He was able to escape through a rear door after the main doors would not open. Holtz was transported to the Northern Light CA Dean Hospital for treatment. First responders attempted to locate and recover the sunken aircraft, however due the extreme depth where it entered the water, recovery will take place at a later time.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the primary investigating agency in all aircraft crashes. Any further questions regarding the investigation of the crash should be directed to the NTSB or the FAA.