Game Warden Plane Plunges Through Ice on Eagle Lake

A Maine Warden Service pilot escaped injury Wednesday when his single-engine plane broke through thin ice after landing on Eagle Lake in northern Aroostook County.

Just after 11 a.m., pilot Jeff Spencer was returning from a bear telemetry flight in a Cessna 185 equipped with skis. The Warden Service said that due to strong winds, Spencer chose to alter his normal landing pattern slightly onto Eagle Lake.

After landing, Spencer proceeded to taxi across the ice toward the Warden Service Plane Base on the west shore. The plane crossed an area of thin ice and broke through. Pilot Spencer was able to exit the plane without injury, according to a news release.

The aircraft became partially submerged but was suspended by its wings and tail. The full extent of damage is unknown at this time.