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FAA, NTSB Investigate Fatal Piper PA-46 Crash Near Mirror Lake

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 11:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sauk County Crash

Sauk County authorities said a Piper PA-46 crash killed six people, including a child.
The aircraft was flying from Kenosha to Menomonie and went down near Mirror Lake State Park.
At 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 2026, the pilot reported wing icing at 24,000 feet before ATC approved descent.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating; no ground injuries or property damage were reported.

Summary

FAA Secures Site

Sauk County deputies arrived at the crash site within minutes of the 9:31 p.m. call.
Dispatch directed responders to a wooded area north of Park Lane, Herwig Road.
Lake Delton Police, Delton Fire, Dells/Delton EMS and State Patrol jointly searched the scene.
Sauk County Coroner’s Office confirmed all six occupants were deceased after on-site examination.
The FAA and NTSB secured the crash area to preserve evidence, reporting no ground injuries.

History

Historical Context

In January 1979, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River after wing icing forced a rapid descent, killing 74 people. The FAA subsequently mandated mandatory de-icing procedures, costing airlines an estimated $1 billion annually, while the NTSB issued 12 safety recommendations. Today's Sauk County Piper PA-46 crash mirrors that 1979 incident, as investigators again cite wing icing at 24,000 feet and involve the FAA and NTSB. The legacy of the 1979 disaster urges stricter compliance and may prompt regulators to revisit de-icing standards for small private aircraft.

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Sauk County Crash

Sauk County authorities said a Piper PA-46 crash killed six people, including a child.
The aircraft was flying from Kenosha to Menomonie and went down near Mirror Lake State Park.
At 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 2026, the pilot reported wing icing at 24,000 feet before ATC approved descent.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating; no ground injuries or property damage were reported.

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