Six killed in Piper PA-46 crash near Wisconsin Dells after icing incident

Key points

• Six occupants (five adults, one child) died in a Piper PA-46 crash near Park Lane in the Town of Dellona, Sauk County, around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 13.
• The aircraft was on a return trip from Kenosha Regional Airport to Menomonie, departing at 8:43 p.m.
• NTSB preliminary data indicates the pilot reported icing at 24,000 feet and requested a descent, after which the plane entered a right descending turn with increasing rate before contact was lost.
• The pilot was identified as Ron Riek, a businessman from Woodville, Wis., by Menomonie Airport Commission Chairman Daniel Johnson.
• The aircraft is registered to Compass Pro LLC, a business in Woodville, according to FAA records reviewed by WKOW.
• No ground injuries or structural damage were reported; the crash site was in a densely wooded area near homes.

Background

This incident follows a series of small aircraft accidents in the U.S. in 2026, including a crash near Fresno in September that killed two children. Locally, Menomonie experienced another fatal plane crash 18 months prior, which pilot Ron Riek helped honor, according to 5 Eyewitness News. The current crash highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding icing and aircraft performance in adverse weather.

How outlets are covering it

Channel 3000 and WISN focused on the immediate facts: the time, location, and NTSB preliminary findings regarding icing and the descending turn. 5 Eyewitness News provided the first identification of the pilot, Ron Riek, and highlighted the community impact, including a reference to a previous crash in Menomonie. WKOW added investigative detail by linking the aircraft to Compass Pro LLC in Woodville via FAA and financial records, though it withheld the specific business name. All sources agreed on the fatality count and the NTSB’s role, but differed in emphasis: local outlets highlighted the human element and business ties, while the NTSB-focused reporting emphasized technical flight data.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the dangers of icing in small aircraft and the critical role of NTSB investigations in determining causes. It also highlights the local impact on Wisconsin communities, particularly given the recent history of aviation accidents in the region. The identification of the pilot and aircraft owner may lead to further scrutiny of maintenance records and pilot experience.

What to watch

The NTSB will release a preliminary report within 30 days, followed by a final report in 1-2 years. Local authorities will release the identities of the victims. The aircraft will be recovered to a secure facility for evaluation. The FAA and NTSB will continue to investigate the pilot’s license, maintenance records, and weather conditions.