On July 19, 2007 at approximately 11:06 am, New Ipswich Police, Fire and EMS personnel responded to a reported helicopter crash into Waterloom Pond on River Road. Upon arrival of emergency personnel, the helicopter was upside down in approximately six feet of water. The crash actually occurred in the Souhegan River. The pilot, identified as James Starbuck, age 60 of New Ipswich, had been removed from the helicopter by his girlfriend, Barbara Graham, and a passerby who had boated out to the helicopter after observing it in the water. Starbuck was transported to Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH before being transferred to UMASS Worcester where he remains in critical condition.

It is not believed that there were any witnesses to the crash, and Starbuck was believed to have been underwater for approximately 5 minutes before being recovered. Investigators from the FAA and NTSB assisted New Ipswich Police with the initial investigation, and determined that the helicopter is a kit called a “Mosquito XEL” which does require FAA or NTSB investigation. The New Ipswich Emergency services would like to thank the Rindge Fire Department, Meadwood Underwater Rescue Team, New Hampshire State Police and other area emergency responders for their assistance.

As a result of injuries sustained in the crash, James Starbuck, age 60 of New Ipswich, died on July 26, 2007 at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester.

There is no further information at this time. Our web site will be updated if any new information becomes available.

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