Police: Helicopter Crashes Into Water at Ashland Reservoir

Police said the pilot was able to get to shore safely

A helicopter made a crash landing into the water at the Ashland Reservoir on Wednesday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The crash was reported around 4:30 p.m. in an area off Spring Street.

"We see it coming over the reservoir, and then it starts running in circles, spinning, tail spinning around around and around, it starts coming towards us, so we start running away from the shore," said witness Jameson Luskay.

The pilot of the single-engine ultralight, David Diana, told police he had taken off from Marlborough Airport and lost power as he was flying over the reservoir, causing him to make the crash landing.

"I just had engine problems and there was no open space, the only place I could drop it in was the water, so that's what I did," Diana said. "So if I had a field below I could have landed it without issue but I didn't."

After the helicopter went down, the aircraft started to sink, but Diana was able to get out safely. He was helped to shore by nearby kayaker.

"It was a little scary I got to say, but I practice auto rotations every day," Diana said.

Police said the aircraft was carrying fewer than 5 gallons of fuel and does not pose a risk to the environment.

Ashland Police are investigating the crash but because the aircraft is an ultralight, authorities said it's unclear if the Federal Aviation Administration will be conducting their own investigation.

Contact Us