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U-FITAQP: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS

Cessna 185F | N61368

Avon, Maine

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateMay 12, 2026
  • Local time10:45 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightEnroute
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Accident Location

City, State
Avon, Maine
Latitude
44.772481
Longitude
-70.269325
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Aircraft Info

N Number
N61368
Make
Cessna
Model
185F
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No
Registry
FAA Registry Inquiry For: N61368 →

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Tibbetts, Joshua Taylor
Gender
Male
Age
50
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
2nd Class Medical
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Enroute
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
Unknown
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS →

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. The aircraft was being flown low, slow, and maneuvering: “A Maine Game Warden pilot was killed in a plane crash Tuesday while on a mission to air-drop fish into lakes and ponds.” Likely a low altitude loss of speed awareness, then stall, while attempting to drop fish from tanks mounted on each float.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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