December 22, 2017

MDIFW NEWS - - Warden Service airplane safely recovered from Eagle Lake

Today, a Maine Warden Service airplane was safely removed from the ice on Eagle Lake. With the assistance of a Maine Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, the Cessna 185 aircraft was retrieved without incident. On Wednesday the 18th, Game Warden Pilot Jeff Spencer, based out of Eagle Lake, was returning from a bear telemetry flight in his assigned Cessna 185 aircraft equipped with skis.

Due to strong winds that morning, Pilot Spencer chose to alter his normal landing pattern slightly onto Eagle Lake. After landing, Pilot Spencer proceeded to taxi across the ice toward the Warden Service Plane Base located on the west shore of Eagle Lake. While taxing, Pilot Spencer crossed an area of thin ice and the aircraft broke through. Pilot Spencer was able to exit the aircraft without injury. The aircraft became partially submerged but was suspended by its wings and tail.

Maine Warden Service Chief Pilot, Jeff Beach, stated this afternoon that it appeared the aircraft sustained no structural damage. The engine and avionics are currently being dried in the Warden Service hangar at Eagle Lake. Critical components will be assessed for any possible damage in the coming weeks. Attached photo courtesy of the Maine Warden Service. Photo of the Warden Service Cessna 185 in the Eagle Lake hangar.