Fatal Plane Crash Near EAA AirVenture Claims Lives of Two, Names Withheld Pending Family Notification – Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, City of Oshkosh Fire Department, Nekimi Fire Department, First Responders, Van Dyne Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, NTSB, and ThedaStar Respond to Fiery Accident in Town of Nekimi at Old Knapp Rd and Nekimi Av

Fatal Plane Crash Near EAA AirVenture Claims Lives of Two, Names Withheld Pending Family Notification – Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, City of Oshkosh Fire Department, Nekimi Fire Department, First Responders, Van Dyne Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, NTSB, and ThedaStar Respond to Fiery Accident in Town of Nekimi at Old Knapp Rd and Nekimi Av

On July 22, 2024, at 12:50 PM, a tragic plane crash occurred in the Town of Nekimi, claiming the lives of two individuals. Responding swiftly to the emergency, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, City of Oshkosh Fire Department, Nekimi Fire Department, First Responders, Van Dyne Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and members of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived at the scene, a farm field located near Old Knapp Road and Nekimi Avenue. This site is approximately two miles south of the renowned EAA AirVenture event.

The incident was first reported by air traffic control (ATC) in the Wittman Airport tower. Upon arrival, the responders were met with the harrowing sight of a plane fully engulfed in flames. Despite their best efforts, it was confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft had perished in the crash. The names of the deceased and all other plane identifiers are currently being withheld pending notification of the victims’ families.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the NTSB, with the support of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, County Coroner’s Office, Winnebago County Emergency Management, and ThedaStar. This tragic event has cast a shadow over the community and the EAA AirVenture event, known for its celebration of aviation. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased as they navigate through this difficult time.

In the quiet rural expanse of the Town of Nekimi, the tranquility was shattered by the deafening crash of the small aircraft. The plane, upon impact, burst into flames, sending thick plumes of black smoke spiraling into the sky. The area, usually characterized by the serene rustling of crops in the fields and the occasional hum of agricultural machinery, became the focal point of a massive emergency response effort. The City of Oshkosh Fire Department, known for their swift and efficient response times, was among the first on the scene, quickly joined by the local Nekimi Fire Department and First Responders.

The Van Dyne Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and members of the NTSB followed suit, converging on the site to control the blaze and begin the meticulous process of investigation. Despite their rapid response and the coordinated efforts of all involved, the intensity of the fire proved too great. The plane was already a smoldering wreck by the time the first responders arrived, leaving little hope for the occupants. The responders, many of whom are trained to handle such tragic incidents, were visibly shaken by the severity of the crash and the loss of life.

Air traffic control at Wittman Airport had been the first to detect the emergency, noting an anomaly in the plane’s descent just moments before the crash. Their swift action in alerting emergency services undoubtedly expedited the response, but the situation had already reached a dire conclusion. The site of the crash, now marked by scorched earth and debris, became an active investigation scene as the NTSB began their thorough examination to determine the cause of this devastating accident.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office played a pivotal role in securing the area, ensuring that the scene was preserved for investigation while also managing the influx of media and concerned community members. The Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the County Coroner’s Office and Winnebago County Emergency Management, worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath, including the grim task of identifying the victims and notifying their families. The arrival of ThedaStar, with their specialized medical and emergency support, underscored the severity of the incident and the coordinated effort required to address it.

The EAA AirVenture event, located just two miles north, continued under a cloud of sadness and reflection. The annual event, celebrated for its showcases of aviation innovation and history, now had to contend with the sobering reality of the inherent risks of flight. Attendees and participants alike were deeply affected by the news, with many pausing to honor the lives lost. The event organizers, alongside local authorities, ensured that safety protocols were reviewed and reinforced in light of the tragedy.

As the investigation by the NTSB progresses, preliminary findings suggest that the plane may have encountered mechanical difficulties, though this has yet to be confirmed. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft behaving erratically moments before the crash, and investigators are meticulously examining the wreckage for any signs of malfunction. The blackened remains of the plane, now a stark contrast to the vibrant green fields, hold the crucial clues that could unravel the mystery behind the crash.

The families of the deceased are now faced with the unimaginable task of grieving their loved ones. The names of the victims, once released, will become the focal point of this tragedy, and the community is prepared to offer support in any way possible. The loss has resonated deeply, with many reflecting on the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. Local churches and community centers have opened their doors to provide counseling and support to those affected by the tragedy.

In the days following the crash, the Town of Nekimi has seen an outpouring of solidarity and support. Neighbors have come together, offering meals, comfort, and a listening ear to those in mourning. The local schools and businesses have also joined in the efforts, organizing fundraisers and memorial services to honor the victims and support their families. The collective grief has fostered a sense of unity, with the community determined to remember the lives lost and to find strength in their shared resolve.

The investigation continues to unfold, with the NTSB leading the effort to piece together the final moments of the flight. The process is painstaking, involving the analysis of flight data, witness statements, and the wreckage itself. The goal is not only to understand what went wrong but to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The aviation community, both locally and nationally, is closely monitoring the investigation, eager to learn and to implement any necessary changes to enhance safety.

As the days turn into weeks, the initial shock of the crash gives way to a more enduring sense of loss. The victims, whose identities will soon be shared with the world, leave behind families, friends, and a community that will never forget them. Their lives, though cut tragically short, will be remembered through the stories and memories shared by those who knew them. The Town of Nekimi, in its grief, has shown resilience and compassion, proving that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found in the strength of community.

The ongoing investigation by the NTSB will eventually provide answers, but the scars left by this tragedy will remain. The community will continue to support each other, drawing on their shared experiences and the bonds that have been strengthened through adversity. The legacy of the victims will endure, reminding everyone of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

In the end, the story of this tragic plane crash is not just one of loss, but of the enduring human spirit. The response from the emergency services, the support from the community, and the ongoing investigation all highlight the resilience and determination to overcome even the most devastating events. The memory of the victims will live on, not only in the hearts of those who knew them but in the collective consciousness of a community that came together in the face of tragedy.