NORTH YARMOUTH, Maine — The pilot of an ultralight aircraft died after crashing his plane into a tree in North Yarmouth on Sunday, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
William G. Gaddis, 75, took off from his private airstrip on Mill Road and crashed about 60 feet up in a tree over that same road.
Although onlookers cautioned Gaddis to remain in the plane until help could arrive, he attempted to leave the crash site.
Gaddis fell from the tree while still 40 feet from the ground.
North Yarmouth Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Gaddis was taken to Maine Medical Center via a LifeFlight helicopter, where he died from his injuries.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.
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This is the exact same thing that happened to a man in Belfast while flying an ultralight aircraft. He crashed into a tree and those who were first at the scene advised him to stay in the aircraft until help arrived, he did not and unfortunately lost his life as a result. I think that there must be a claustrophobic reaction combined with the adrenaline surge that result in putting aside common sense. Both were older men, likely in no shape to be climbing trees at such heights and both would have likely been fine had they waited for help from a fire dept. ladder truck or other means. I hope others learn a valuable lesson from this and I offer my condolences to the family and friends of this man.
We had a plane towing a glider, they had to emergency jettison the glider, it crashed in the top of a tall oak., one of the occupants fell out of the glider 60 feet in the air.
I know it’s easier said than done but stay in the plane until help arrives….