The Unique Hike In Maine That Leads You To Plane Wreckage From 1963
We hike in Maine to find nature. We hike to find peace. And we hike to get a little bit closer to the state that we love. Throughout Vacationland, you’ll find routes that bring you to the salty oceans, some heading towards serene lakes and others under trees that tower overhead. We’re fortunate to spend time in a place that allows us to choose from so many natural experiences. But, there’s one hike that brings us nearer to a piece of Maine’s history. This hike to plane wreckage in Maine will remind you of all that came before.
It was the result of two factors: first, it was flowing a a low altitude during weather-related turbulence. In addition, it faced losing its vertical stabilizer which was irreparable.
But, why was the plane flying over Maine in the first place?
The crew aboard the plan was taking part in a planned training mission called "Terrain Avoidance Flight." The purpose of these flights were to provide training for pilots get through Advanced Capability Radar, which would allow them to avoid detection by Soviets during the Cold War.
Flights like these were fairly routine on the West Coast, but this was the first time they’d be using terrain-following radar on the East Coast of the country.
The fateful flight began at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, where two crews and two New Mexico-based instructors got on board.
The pilot tried to fly above it, but the vertical stabilizer was lost in the attempt.
As the nose of the plane pointed down towards the ground and any hope of correcting it disappeared, the fate of the plane became clear. The pilot gave orders for all crew to abandon it.
The navigator, pilot and co-pilot all ejected themselves, but six crew members didn't have time to escape before crashing on the west side of Elephant Mountain around 3pm.
Only two people survived the crash. The navigator and pilot got through the freezing night using only what they had with when they ejected themselves from the plane.
To find the trailhead, head north on Lily Bay Road for just under 7 miles, where you'll make a right onto Prong Pond Road.
From here head less than two mile and stay right when the road veers. In about 4 miles, stay right at the fork in the road. About 5.5 miles on, you'll come to a small parking lot on the left. The trail begins here.
Believe it of not, Maine actually has more than one piece of plane-related history. This plane crash in 1944 happened in southern Maine and it’s one of the worst aviation disasters to take place in the state.
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
