Local News
Pilot John Hall Killed After Plane Crashes Into Maine Harbor, Son Tyler Hall Survived the Crash
PEMAQUID HARBOR, Maine — A 54-year-old New Hampshire man was killed and his adult son was injured Thursday after a single-engine aircraft experienced engine trouble and crashed into the waters along the Maine coastline, authorities said.
The pilot was identified by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as John Hall, 54, of Lee, New Hampshire. Hall was pronounced dead at the crash scene.
According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Hall was the registered owner of the aircraft, a Diamond DA20 with the tail number N83RF.
Hall’s 21-year-old son, Tyler Hall, was the only passenger aboard the aircraft. He survived the crash and was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to authorities.
A preliminary report released Friday by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the aircraft experienced engine problems while in flight and declared an emergency before going down along the shoreline.
The plane ultimately crashed into Pemaquid Harbor, where it came to rest upside down in approximately four feet of water.
The impact prompted an immediate response from people in the area. Nearby residents and construction workers reportedly entered the water to help those aboard the aircraft before emergency responders arrived.
According to flight information provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft departed from Brunswick Executive Airport on Thursday and was traveling toward Knox County Regional Airport when the emergency occurred.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the reported engine trouble or why the aircraft was unable to remain airborne.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight conditions and other available evidence as they work to determine the exact cause of the Pemaquid Harbor plane crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information is expected as federal authorities release further findings.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed Wednesday night after being thrown from his motorcycle and struck by several vehicles on Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, authorities said.
New Braunfels police officers and fire crews responded at approximately 10:30 p.m. to the 2400 block of I-35 South, near the Schmidt Avenue overpass, following reports of a motorcycle crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the motorcyclist, identified as 22-year-old Weston Waxler, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said Waxler was thrown from his motorcycle and was subsequently struck by several vehicles traveling through the area.
Waxler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said his next of kin has been notified.
The fatal crash resulted in a lengthy closure of the southbound main lanes of Interstate 35. The affected section of the highway remained closed for approximately five and a half hours while traffic crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The closure caused traffic disruptions in the area as authorities processed the crash scene and conducted their investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, authorities do not expect criminal charges to be filed in connection with the crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.