WISCONSIN- During EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a collision between a Rotorway 162F helicopter and an ELA Eclipse 10 gyrocopter occurred mid-air on Saturday, as reported by officials.
The incident took place shortly before 12:30 p.m. local time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), each aircraft had two people on board at the time of the collision. The initial report did not provide further details about the cause and potential injuries.
Helicopter and Gyrocopter Collide Mid-Air
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is currently hosting its annual convention and air show, EAA AirVenture, at Wittman Regional Airport.
According to the FAA, the collision happened in the AirVenture ultralight area at the airport, not during the air show. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) clarified that the incident occurred outside the air show schedule.
EAA stated that event attendees owned the involved aircraft and were not part of the air show program.
The “mid-air accident” took place at the south end of the EAA AirVenture flight line, and authorities from EAA, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and Oshkosh Fire Department responded to the scene, reported ABC News.
No information is available about the conditions of the four occupants involved in the collision. The relevant authorities may provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
Another Crash
The Oshkosh region authorities are conducting a rescue and recovery operation following a small aircraft crash into Lake Winnebago.
The incident involved a single-engine North American T-6, which crashed into the lake shortly after departing Wittman Regional Airport at approximately 9 a.m. local time, as the FAA reported.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting the crash, prompting a response from various agencies, including the Winnebago County Marine Units with dive rescue and recovery team members and the U.S. Coast Guard.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes, the aircraft was allegedly maneuvering before descending rapidly from an altitude of about 3,000 feet.
Divers managed to locate the two occupants who were on board the plane, and local authorities were continuing their recovery operations, which included dealing with the aircraft wreckage.
It is important to note that the crash did not occur during the EAA AirVenture air show, as confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
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