Pilot killed after plane crashes into pond in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — A pilot was killed after a plane crashed into a pond in Plymouth on Thursday morning.

According to Plymouth Police, around 7:45 a.m., officers received a report of a plane crash in Curlew Pond, located within Myles Standish State Forest.

Initial reports indicated that the plane was overturned in the water and that one individual was trapped inside.

Plymouth Police, Plymouth Fire, and good Samaritans were able to reach the plane, which was located just off the shoreline, and remove the pilot from the cockpit.

The pilot, who has been identified as 81-year-old Richard Carrara, of Kingston, was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth, where he died from his injuries.

James Campbell says he heard what appears to have sounded like the aircraft’s engine having a malfunction, then start up again. Minutes later, Campbell says the aircraft seemed to circle around.

“A few minutes later I saw it circle back over the pond and I didn’t hear the engine anymore, and it nosedived into the center of Curlew Pond,” said Campbell. “I was hoping to see the pilot climb out of the plane, but I didn’t see that happen and it started sinking really fast..”

John Gurney is one of the good Samaritans that stepped in to try and help. “As I was paddling, there was another guy paddling from over at Blueberry Hill, and the two of us put our kayaks against it and tried to paddle it closer to shore cause it was still kinda floating.. We dragged into where we could stand on the bottom and dragged it close to shore as best as we could, but by then emergency rescue people had shown up,” said Gurney.

Plymouth Fire Chief Foley tells Boston 25 the state forest spans thousands of acres, which can make getting to certain areas a challenge. He says everyone who responded did what they could.

“There were several citizens that were attempting to get to the pilot to check to see if he was okay,” said Chief Foley. “It was a combined effort.”

This incident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2026 Cox Media Group