LEDGEVIEW, WI (WTAQ) – The investigation of a plane crash that killed a pilot and injured a truck driver in Brown County Thursday night continues.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is on scene investigating
The Brown County Sheriff’s Department has identified the pilot as John Fiddelke of De Pere.
The driver of the pickup truck, Patrick Schounard of Greenleaf, is in serious condition at a local hospital.
The investigation determined that the pilot ended up five feet off the runway and struck a pickup truck, sending both off the road.
Aaron Sauer of the NTSB says they are investigating the man, the machine and the environment.
“We are going to be gathering information related to the pilot, his experience, training, and medical history. The other aspect is the aircraft. We understand the aircraft may have just recently come out of maintenance.”
Sauer says the last aspect is the flying conditions.
“The weather was reported as overcast clouds, light winds and we were still in relativity daylight conditions.”
Sauer says the complete investigation could take between six months to a year.
“We take a look at any data, wait for reports and compile all of that information and put together a report.”
A section of Hwy. MM (Dutchman Road) between Hwy. G (Dickinson Road) and Glenmore Road remain closed as the crash investigation continues.
Lieutenant Tom Zeigle of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department says this is not an everyday call.”It’s unique. Our reconstruction specialists usually deal with car versus car, car versus semi, car versus motorcycle. We provide the NTSB and FAA with any information we can.”
He says their portion of the investigation deals with the truck and the truck driver.
“Primarily we’d be focused on the vehicle if there’s any vehicle defects that may have contributed to it,” Zeigle said. “Basically looking at the truck, and then the NTSB and FAA come in to look at any issues with the plane.”
Deputies expect the road to reopen to traffic around 3 p.m. Friday.
