Tragic Wisconsin Aircraft Crashes: 4 Fatalities and 2 Injured in Multiple Incidents

Just prior to an air display at a major aviation convention held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a tragic incident occurred on Saturday, resulting in four fatalities and two injuries. 

Two aircraft collided in midair, and another crashed into Lake Winnebago.

The first aircraft involved was the North American T-6, a vintage military training vessel that plunged into Lake Winnebago around 9 a.m. 

The Coast Guard retrieved the bodies of the two individuals on board late Saturday night. 

The plane rapidly descended from an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet, and the Oshkosh Fire Department and Coast Guard promptly responded to the incident, as reported by the Experimental Aircraft Association, the host of the annual AirVenture convention.

The second collision involved a RotorWay 162F helicopter and an ELA 10 Eclipse gyrocopter, occurring around noon on Saturday. 

Airshow Commences After Brief Delay

This tragic event resulted in the loss of two lives. It took place in a designated area of Wittman Regional Airport allocated for the event. 

The gyrocopter, resembling a miniature helicopter with a propeller at the rear, possesses a freely rotating lift-producing rotor without the aid of an engine.

Two individuals who sustained injuries during the accident were taken to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition, according to the statement released. 

The aircraft belonged to attendees of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention in Oshkosh, who were not participating in the air show, as clarified by the organization.

Further information will be provided by the association as additional details are confirmed.

After a brief delay, the airshow commenced at approximately 2:45 p.m., as reported by the organizers. AirVenture is a multi-day convention featuring air displays, fly-in campgrounds, and pyrotechnics.

Participants intending to fly to the festival were provided with FAA recommendations. The National Transportation Safety Board will dispatch an investigator to ascertain the causes of both accidents.

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Source: CNN, WBMM Radio Chicago