Plane Crashes In Lake Winnipesaukee Pilot Rescued By Boaters

MEREDITH, NH - On Sunday, August 9, 2020 at approximately 3:00 PM, NH Marine Patrol Officer (MPO) Zachary Cobis was on patrol on Lake Winnipesaukee when he was flagged down by a passing boater advising of a plane crash.

MPO Cobis immediately responded to the area and located the pilot, who had been pulled from the water by other boaters, across from Grouse Point in Meredith Bay. The ultralight plane sank in approximately 65 feet of water.

Stoneham, MA Police Chief McIntyre issued a press release Sunday stating Stoneham Police Officer Joe Ponzo was off-duty with his family when he observed the crash. According to the press release Officer Ponzo and other boaters helped in pulling the pilot from the water.

Officer Ponzo was met on shore by members of the Marine Patrol Unit, the Laconia Fire Department, the Meredith Fire Department and Meredith Police Department.

NH Marine Patrol Officers learned that the ultralight was approximately 1,000 feet above the bay when the engine stopped. The pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft was identified as David Grapes, age 78 of Center Harbor, NH. He sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia to be treated.

Agencies responding to the scene included NHSP-Marine Patrol units, Meredith EMS, Meredith Fire and Laconia Fire Departments. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and FAA were notified of the incident.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with additional details is asked to contact New Hampshire State Police - Marine Patrol Lt. Crystal McLain at (603) 227-2113 or crystal.mclain@dos.nh.gov.