Fatal Crash Near Wisconsin Dells
A tragic plane crash in rural Wisconsin has claimed the lives of six people, including one child, after the aircraft went down in a wooded area near Mirror Lake State Park on Tuesday night. According to the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in the Town of Dellona, located approximately 10 miles west of the Wisconsin Dells.
Pilot Reported Icing Conditions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the pilot of the Piper PA-46 had communicated with air traffic control regarding ice accumulation on the wings while flying at an altitude of 24,000 feet. The pilot requested permission to descend as the aircraft navigated through a thunderstorm in the region.
Aviation experts note that ice buildup on wings is a significant hazard, as even minor accumulations can compromise a plane’s ability to remain airborne. Following the request, air traffic control authorized the descent. The NTSB reported that the aircraft began a right-hand descending turn that rapidly increased in rate before both communications and data tracking were lost.
Investigation Underway
Authorities confirmed that no structures on the ground were damaged and no injuries were reported among those on the ground. The identities of the five adults and one child who perished in the crash have not yet been released by officials.
The NTSB has assumed control of the investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. The crash occurred during a period of inclement weather, with rain reported in the area as the storm system moved through the region.