05/14/2026
Massachusetts Environmental Police Underwater Technology Team Assists in Plane Crash Investigation
On May 2nd, the MEP Underwater Technology Team was requested to assist in a multi‑agency response after a small aircraft crashed into O’Laughlin Pond in New Salem, north of the Quabbin Reservoir. The pilot had been safely rescued the previous evening by the Massachusetts State Police (MSP).
With approximate location information provided by MSP and DCR staff, MEP officers began a targeted search. Within 30 minutes, the team successfully marked a likely sonar target. Multiple passes from different angles confirmed the signature, and the team deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to obtain visual verification.
The ROV captured clear images of the aircraft’s tailfin, unique tail numbers, and 360‑degree views of the wreckage. Officers also confirmed that the pilot had been traveling alone, all without placing divers in the water. The aircraft was located resting in 18 feet of water, with the cabin approximately 11 feet below the surface.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police Underwater Technology Team consists of eight highly trained officers who perform this specialized work in addition to their regular patrol duties. For more than a decade, these officers have provided answers, closure, and peace to families across the Commonwealth. Their expertise supports:
→ Waterborne accident investigations
→ Aircraft, vessel and motor vehicle recoveries
→ Searches for missing or deceased persons
→ Commercial marine fisheries gear enforcement
The Massachusetts Environmental Police is proud of the exceptional skill and dedication demonstrated by our Underwater Technology Team. They have operated sonar and ROV equipment in depths up to 330 feet in a variety of situations such as tidal zones, rivers, under winter ice, and in both freshwater and saltwater.