Crime & Safety
Washington County, WI Plane Crash: Engine Fails, Pilot Lands in Field
Washington County, WI – A 67 year old Milwaukee pilot and his passenger escaped injury Saturday afternoon, October 24, after their vintage aircraft suffered an engine failure, prompting a Mayday call
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-25T00:46:33.804Z
Washington County, WI – A 67 year old Milwaukee pilot and his passenger escaped injury Saturday afternoon, October 24, after their vintage aircraft suffered an engine failure, prompting a Mayday call and an emergency landing in a farmer's field in the Town of Addison.
According to the Washington County Sheriff 's Office, Milwaukee Air Traffic Control contacted deputies around 4:32 p.m. after Madison Approach received a Mayday transmission from a private aircraft reporting engine trouble.
The aircraft, a 1941 Aeronca Super Chief, was forced to make an emergency landing near the 5100 block of Deer Road.
Engine Failure Forces Emergency Landing Investigators said the pilot and an adult male passenger departed Cindy Guntly Memorial Airport in Racine County around 9 a.m. Saturday.
The pair traveled to Oshkosh, stopping briefly at Hartford Municipal Airport to refuel before continuing their flight.
While returning to Racine County, the aircraft experienced engine failure.
The pilot issued a Mayday call and successfully glided the airplane toward an open farm field.
During the landing, the pilot made a sharp turn to avoid an embankment. The aircraft's left wing struck the ground, causing significant damage.
Neither occupant was injured.
Aircraft Sustains Substantial Damage The National Transportation Safety Board classified the incident as a substantial damage aircraft accident because of the wing damage.
The Aeronca Super Chief is a vintage, fabric covered aircraft manufactured in 1941.
Sheriff's officials credited the pilot's preparedness and quick decision making for the safe outcome.
"I was always taught while in the air to always look down for a good place to land just in case," the pilot told the sheriff's shift commander.
FAA Inspection Expected Sunday The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to inspect the damaged aircraft Sunday, October 25.
Following the inspection, crews plan to remove the airplane using a flatbed trailer, with its wings detached for transportation.
The cause of the engine failure has not been announced.