ORANGE, MASS. — May 1st — When a small aircraft crashed into the Quabbin Reservoir close to New Salem, Orange Fire Rescue EMS helped with a multi-agency response. A witness reported seeing a plane in the water and someone asking for help, prompting the dispatch of emergency personnel. The pilot was soon found in the reservoir close to Route 122 by firefighters, police, and members of the Massachusetts State Police.

While a Massachusetts State Police trooper used a flotation device and tether line to enter the water, New Salem firemen kept in touch with the pilot. After Orange Fire Rescue EMS safely brought the pilot ashore, they took him to Orange Municipal Airport, where a medical helicopter took him to UMass Memorial Medical Center. There were no reports of any other injuries.