Pilot dies after crash at AirVenture convention

OSHKOSH, Wis. — The pilot of a single-engine Breezy airplane that crashed Thursday morning at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh died from his injuries, while a passenger remains in critical condition.

The airplane crashed in a grassy area east of the airport's north-south runway while attempting a landing at about 9 a.m., during the early hours of the fourth day of the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture convention.

According to the Oshkosh Fire Department the plane burst into flames after it crashed into a line of Oshkosh Corp. military trucks that are being stored on the periphery of the airport.

John Holland of the Oshkosh Fire Department said fire crews on the grounds saw the crash happen and were able to get to the scene within two minutes.

"The fact they were right there certainly helped," Holland said. "We have a complete fire department on the AirVenture grounds all week. We couldn't beat the speed of that response. Our presence there speeds up response times and, hopefully, saves lives."

The male pilot was transported by ambulance to Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. A female passenger was taken to an Oshkosh hospital where she is in serious condition.

The airport was temporarily closed for several hours after the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are working with local authorities in the ongoing investigation of the cause of the crash.