AVON, Maine – At Approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, a Maine Warden Service airplane crashed in the town of Avon.
Maine Game Warden Pilot Josh Tibbetts, age 50 of New Gloucester, was killed in the crash. Josh was a Maine Game Warden for 18 years, three of those as a warden service pilot.
Franklin County Emergency Rescue Personnel and Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies were the first to reach the scene, and were later joined by Maine Game Wardens. The cause of the crash is unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, as they do with all aircraft crashes. The Department will assist the NTSB with transportation to the remote, wooded crash site, and with other aspects of the investigation as needed.
This release will be updated as new information becomes available. Inquiries regarding the crash investigation should be directed to the NTSB.
The department recognizes and appreciates the amazing outpouring of support from all who reached out during a very difficult day. Thank you.