Octogenarian Aviator Has Been Flying Over 70 Years

An 88-year-old pilot was seriously injured Wednesday when the Piper Aerostar he was flying went down in a cornfield in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Bill Wenkman, a former commercial pilot who has been flying for more than 70 years, was reportedly alert and able to speak to rescuers when they arrived on the scene.

File Photo

Pete Premo, who is secretary of the Pilot's Association at Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells Airport (KDLL) and a friend if Wenkman's, said "it appears he came in too low, for what ever reason." Wenkman's airplane clipped the row of windbreak trees near the airport before going down in the cornfield just north of KDLL.

The Wisconsin State-Journal reports that Wenkman owns five airplanes including the Aerostar, and flies several times a week, according to Premo. Bill Murphy, who operates the FBO at KDLL, said Wenkman was returning from Reedsburg, WI, (C35) which is about 9 nm west of KDLL, when the accident happened.

Murphy said to his knowledge, Wenkman did not contact the airport before the landing attempt.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov