Wisconsin: Six people, including the pilot, were killed when a plane crashed in the US state of Wisconsin after ice reportedly accumulated on its wings, according to information cited in local reports.
The pilot was identified as Ron Reik, a prominent businessman who owned a warehousing and freight transportation company. Authorities have not released the names of the other five victims.
Daniel Johnson, chairman of the Menomonie Airport Commission, confirmed Reik’s death during a public meeting. Johnson said he had known Reik for decades and described him as an experienced pilot who was actively involved in airport activities.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot had informed an air traffic controller before the crash that ice was building up on the wings of the Piper PA-46 Malibu aircraft.
The plane was flying at an altitude of around 24,000 feet when the pilot requested permission to descend. Air traffic control approved the request, the NTSB said.
Further details about the circumstances of the crash and the identities of the other victims have not been made public.
