Six identified after Piper PA-46 crashes in Wisconsin woods amid icing

Key points

• The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office identified the six victims on October 15: pilot Ronald Riek (63), Tyler Harvey (35/36), Mary Brion (67), Amanda Haremza (45), Rylan Haremza (13), and Kayla Turpin (39).
• The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. on October 13 in the Town of Dellona, near Park Lane and Herwig Road, in a densely wooded area.
• The NTSB reported the pilot requested a descent after reporting icing at 24,000 feet; the aircraft then entered a right descending turn before communications and data tracking were lost.
• The FAA noted that in-flight icing can distort airflow, increase drag, and cause stalls at higher speeds than normal, potentially making recovery impossible.
• The plane was licensed under Part 91, covering noncommercial and private aviation, which has fewer regulatory restrictions than commercial flights.

Background

This crash is Wisconsin’s second fatal plane accident in 2026, following a previous incident in Menomonie. The pilot, Ronald Riek, was a local business owner and experienced pilot who had previously helped honor victims of the earlier crash. The Oct. 13 crash ranks among the 15 deadliest plane crashes in Wisconsin in the past 60 years.

How outlets are covering it

KSTP and WMTV focused on the identification of victims and personal tributes to pilot Ronald Riek, emphasizing his community role and experience. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provided broader statistical context, noting that 82 of 427 fatal crashes in Wisconsin involved Piper aircraft and that Part 91 planes have fewer regulatory restrictions. AP News highlighted the technical details of the icing incident and the loss of communication during the descent. All sources agree on the basic facts of the crash and the involvement of the NTSB and FAA in the investigation.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the risks of in-flight icing for small aircraft and highlights the ongoing investigation into the causes of fatal plane crashes in Wisconsin. It also raises questions about the safety regulations and maintenance of Part 91 aircraft, which are subject to fewer restrictions than commercial flights.

What to watch

The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. The FAA and NTSB will continue to investigate the crash, focusing on the icing incident and flight data to determine the cause. The community is expected to hold further memorials for the victims, including the 13-year-old Rylan Haremza.