Surviving Spouse Agrees To Reduced Sentence

Another chapter was added this week to the sad tale of a 2004 plane crash at a charity balloon rally in Wisconsin. The husband of the woman lost in the crash agreed to support a plea deal, that drastically reduced the amount of time the pilot may need to spend in prison.

As ANN reported, Mark Strub offered to take passengers in his 1941 PT-13 Stearman biplane on 10-minute rides during the Children's Miracle Network Balloon Rally in Wisconsin Rapids, for a suggested donation of $10. While giving Kimberly Reed a ride in the vintage aircraft, the plane struck power lines, and came to rest inverted in the Wisconsin River. Strub survived the accident, but he wasn't able to free Reed, who suffered a broken neck.

According to the NTSB Probable Cause report on the crash, Strub said he had given three people free rides prior to the accident flight. Reed has asked for an aerobatic flight, so with both persons wearing parachutes the plane departed, and climbed to 3,000 feet AGL.

After performing one Cuban eight, a loop, and two hammerhead stalls, Strub and Reed were heading back to the airport, at an altitude of about 50 feet over the water when the aircraft struck the lines, and flipped into the Nepco Lake.

FAA aviation safety inspector Karen Krueger testified in a criminal complaint Strub violated regs governing minimum safe altitude, as well as a regulation from a section titled "Careless or Reckless Operation of an Aircraft."

Strub was brought up on a charge of negligent homicide in the crash last March, to which he initially pleaded not guilty. That trial was to start next month... but on Tuesday, Strub pleaded no content to the reduced misdemeanor charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and disorderly conduct. Strub had faced a 10-year maximum sentence if the case had gone to trial, reports the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune.

Now, Strub faces a maximum prison sentence of nine months in jail on the first charge, and 90 days for disorderly conduct... though in the plea deal, both sides reportedly agreed to two years probation, as well as fines, court costs and counseling for Strub. There remains the possibility of jail time, however, as the court is not bound to honor the plea deal.

Wood County District Attorney Todd Wolf said he chose to accept the plea agreement after meeting with witnesses, and talking to Kimberly Reed's widower, Kevin... who reportedly said he wanted Strub held responsible for the crash, but he didn't want to relive the incident by going through a trial.

A sentencing hearing will be held February 5. Strub still faces a civil case regarding the accident.

FMI: Read The NTSB Probable Cause Report