How Did 6 People Die in a Small Plane Crash Near Wisconsin Dells?

Quick answer: Six people — five adults and one child — died on Tuesday night, 13 October 2026, when a small Piper plane crashed in densely wooded land near Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells in Sauk County, Wisconsin.

Key facts

• What: Small plane crash — a fixed-wing Piper Aircraft, a six-passenger plane
• Where: Densely wooded area near Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells, in the town of Dellona, Sauk County, Wisconsin
• When: About 9:30pm, Tuesday 13 October 2026
• Reported toll: 6 killed (5 adults, 1 child)
• Status: Investigation led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); identities not released

What happened

The plane had taken off from Kenosha and was flying to Menomonie, according to Sauk County Sheriff's Captain Matt Burch. It crashed at about 9:30pm on Tuesday night near Wisconsin Dells. All six people aboard — five adults and one child — were found dead at the crash site.

The crash happened in a densely wooded area near Mirror Lake State Park. It did not damage any homes or other property.

Investigation

Captain Burch said the aircraft had been in contact with a nearby air traffic control tower before the crash. Investigators are working to learn what was said in those transmissions and whether a weather event in the area may have played any role in the crash.

Reporting by the Associated Press said the pilot had reported ice buildup before the crash. The FAA and the NTSB will lead the investigation into the cause. Authorities had not released the identities of those who died at the time of reporting.

Why icing is so dangerous for small planes

Ice can build up on wings and tail surfaces when a plane flies through cloud or precipitation in freezing conditions. Even a thin layer can reduce lift, add weight and change how the aircraft handles, and small planes without de-icing equipment are especially exposed. Pilots are advised to check icing forecasts carefully before flying, to avoid known icing conditions in aircraft not equipped to handle them, and to report icing to air traffic control so other pilots can be warned. When icing is reported, controllers and investigators treat it as a key factor in understanding what happened.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Wisconsin Dells plane crash?

Six people died: five adults and one child. All six were aboard the plane and were found dead at the crash site.

Where did the Wisconsin Dells plane crash happen?

In a densely wooded area near Mirror Lake State Park, near Wisconsin Dells, in the town of Dellona, Sauk County, Wisconsin.

What type of plane crashed near Wisconsin Dells?

A fixed-wing Piper Aircraft, a six-passenger plane. It had taken off from Kenosha and was flying to Menomonie.

What caused the Wisconsin Dells plane crash?

The cause has not been confirmed. The Associated Press reported that the pilot had reported ice buildup before the crash, and investigators are examining the air traffic control transmissions and whether a weather event played a role. The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation.

*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is released.*

Source: Wisconsin Public Radio — https://www.wpr.org/transportation/reports-6-dead-in-small-plane-crash-near-wisconsin-dells