Full Breakdown
Tragic Piper Plane Crash Near Wisconsin Dells Claims Six Lives
By Drooid · · How we work
Crash Details
A Piper PA-46 fixed-wing aircraft traveling from Kenosha to Menomonie went down in a densely wooded area near Wisconsin Dells on Tuesday night at approximately 9:30 p.m. The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office reported that the pilot had reported icing at 24,000 feet, requested a descent, and then lost communications and data tracking.
Victims Identified
The sheriff’s office released the names of all six occupants, all of whom were pronounced dead at the crash site: Ronald R. Riek, 63, of Woodville; Tyler J. Harvey, 35, of Cadott; Mary K. Brion, 67, of Nelson; Amanda M. Haremza, 45, of Altoona; Rylan Haremza, 13, of Altoona; and Kayla C. Turpin, 39, of Eau Claire.
Investigation and Possible Causes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations. Neighbors reported hearing the engine “going in and out” shortly before impact, and one resident said the aircraft came close enough to threaten her home. No buildings were damaged and no ground injuries were reported.
Official Reactions
Johnson also lamented that this crash follows another fatal accident in the region within the past 18 months. The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we should take a moment of silence in memory of the deceased.” — Daniel Johnson, airport commission chairman
- “He was simply a good man, a highly experienced pilot, and this is a tragedy,” — Daniel Johnson, airport commission chairman
- “The aircraft has a reputation of not doing well in thunderstorms,” — Daniel Johnson, airport commission chairman
- “This is two fatal crashes in 18 months, and we’ve lost a lot of friends,” — Daniel Johnson, airport commission chairman