Local
NTSB investigates fatal Sauk County crash after pilot reported icing
Six people died when a Piper PA-46 crashed near Lake Delton on Tuesday night. Investigators say the pilot reported icing and requested to descend before the plane entered a steepening turn and contact was lost.
DELLONA, Wis. — Six people, including a child, died Tuesday night when a six-passenger Piper PA-46 crashed near Park Lane in the Town of Dellona, southwest of Lake Delton, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office said.
The plane was traveling from Kenosha to Menomonie, according to information provided by investigators. Sheriff Chip Meister said everyone aboard died. Authorities have not released the victims’ names or ages.
Preliminary information from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates the aircraft was at 24,000 feet when the pilot reported icing and asked air traffic control for permission to descend. After the descent was approved, the plane entered a right-hand descending turn that grew steeper, and air traffic control lost communication and tracking data.
The NTSB confirmed icing conditions were present. Investigators have not identified a cause of the crash.
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are assisting local authorities. The NTSB said investigators will examine the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the flight, including weather, flight-track information, pilot qualifications and experience, maintenance records, witness accounts and air traffic control communications. The aircraft is expected to be moved to a secure facility for further examination.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. Anyone with information or surveillance video is asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.