News Summary
A Cirrus SR22 plane crashed into Lake Michigan shortly after taking off from Mitchell International Airport due to engine trouble. The crash occurred about 20 miles east of Bender Park with three individuals on board. Thankfully, all were wearing life jackets and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. An investigation into the incident is underway to determine the cause of the engine failure and evaluate safety measures taken during the emergency.
Milwaukee – A small Cirrus SR22 plane crashed into Lake Michigan shortly after takeoff from Mitchell International Airport on September 11. The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m., approximately 20 miles east of Bender Park, as the aircraft was attempting to return to the airport due to engine trouble.
The plane took off at approximately 12:17 p.m., heading towards Michigan. Around 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot realized the aircraft was experiencing engine issues and initiated a return to Milwaukee. Tragically, the aircraft did not make it back safely.
All three individuals on board the plane were wearing life jackets at the time of the crash. This safety measure proved crucial as it allowed them to remain afloat until help arrived. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted to the incident by the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, which notified them at around 12:45 p.m.
In response, the Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot rescue boat and a helicopter to the crash site for the search and rescue operation. The survivors were located and recovered around 1:30 p.m., after which they were transported to the Coast Guard station in Milwaukee for medical evaluation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the three individuals involved in the crash.
Chief Donald Hamilton of the Coast Guard highlighted the effective use of technology during the emergency, noting that the survivors were able to text first responders using their cell phones, which assisted in quickly locating them. Additionally, the aircraft was equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter, enhancing the chances of a successful rescue.
The aircraft, which has now fully sunk, is not considered a navigational hazard according to the Coast Guard. A ballistic parachute was deployed during the incident, a feature designed to enhance safety in emergencies. However, the exact cause of the engine trouble that led to the crash is still under investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that an investigation into the crash will take place to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also mentioned that if no serious injuries or substantial damage to the aircraft are found, the incident may not be officially classified as an accident.
This crash comes as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the importance of safety protocols. The quick coordination between air traffic control and the Coast Guard played a vital role in ensuring that all individuals on board were safely recovered.
As investigations continue, officials will gather detailed insights into the malfunctions that led to the emergency, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The situation serves as a case study in the effectiveness of safety measures, such as life jackets and communication devices, in life-threatening circumstances.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: Plane Crash in Lake Michigan
- Wikipedia: Plane Crash
- WISN: Small Plane Goes Into Lake Michigan
- Google Search: Lake Michigan plane crash
- JSONLINE: Rescue Teams Respond to Small Plane Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation Accident
- CBS News: Small Plane Crashes into Lake Michigan
- Google News: Aviation Safety
- NBC Chicago: Small Plane Crashes and Coast Guard Rescue
- Google Scholar: Aircraft Safety Measures
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
