October 24, 2026 – Washington Co., Wi — On Saturday, October 24, 2026, at approximately 4:32 p.m., Milwaukee Air Traffic Control contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after Madison Approach received a report that a private aircraft pilot had broadcast a Mayday call reporting an engine failure.
The aircraft, a 1941 Aeronca Super Chief, made an emergency landing in a farmer’s field near the 5100 block of Deer Road in the Town of Addison.
The 67-year-old Milwaukee pilot and one adult male passenger departed from Cindy Guntly Memorial Airport in Racine County at approximately 9 a.m. They made a brief stop at Hartford Municipal Airport before continuing to Oshkosh, where the aircraft landed for fuel. While returning to Racine County, the aircraft experienced an engine failure.
The pilot issued a Mayday call and was able to glide the aircraft into the field. While rolling through the field, the pilot made a sharp turn to avoid going over an embankment. During that maneuver, the aircraft’s left wing struck the ground and sustained damage.
Neither occupant was injured.
Because of the wing damage, the National Transportation Safety Board has classified the incident as a substantial-damage aircraft accident. The Aeronca Super Chief is a fabric-covered aircraft.
The pilot’s preparedness and decision-making were key factors in the safe outcome. He told the Sheriff’s Office shift commander, “I was always taught while in the air to always look down for a good place to land just in case.” His ability to identify a suitable landing location and guide the aircraft into the field helped prevent injuries to both occupants.
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to inspect the aircraft at approximately on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Following the inspection, arrangements will be made to remove the aircraft by flatbed trailer, with the wings removed for transport.
