Pilot lands plane in Mukwonago River

A 59-year old man from Racine flying a small plane made an emergency landing in the Mukwonago River north of the Fox River after experiencing engine problems at about 2:20 pm today.

A Village of Mukwonago police officer saw the low-flying plane and noticed the prop on the plane was not turning, according to Police Chief Kevin Schmidt. The pilot landed the plane in the Mukwonago River, approximately 400 feet off of I-43.  The pilot told police he had mechanical problems and because of traffic on the freeway, choose to land in the river.  

Mukwonago Fire Chief Jeff Stien reported that the pilot was flying to Burlington airport when he experienced the engine trouble. After restarting the engine several times, the pilot decided to put the plane down in the river. He was able to get out of the plane, however he received cuts and bruises from the crash. The pilot was treated at the scene, but refused to be transported to a hospital. 

Firefighters turned off the fuel lines on the plane and put out haz mat containment booms for fuel and oil leaks. 

Police are assisting the FAA and DNR with the investigation, Schmidt said.