Milwaukee Air Traffic Control contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after Madison Approach received a report that a private aircraft pilot had broadcast a Mayday call reporting an engine failure, Saturday afternoon, October 24 at 4:30 p.m.

The aircraft made an emergency landing in a farmer’s field near Deer Road, in Addison.

The 67-year-old Milwaukee pilot and one adult male passenger departed from the airport in Racine County at 9 a.m. They made a brief stop at Hartford Municipal Airport before continuing to Oshkosh, where the aircraft landed for fuel. While returning to Racine County, the aircraft experienced an engine failure.

The pilot was able to glide the aircraft into the field. While rolling through the field, the pilot made a sharp turn to avoid going over an embankment. During that maneuver, the aircraft’s left wing struck the ground and sustained damage.

No injuries were reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board has classified the incident as a substantial-damage aircraft accident.

Photo by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.