A Cirrus SR22 has gone down in Northern Wisconsin, killing it's pilot and injuring the University of North Dakota flight instructor who was reportedly providing dual instruction. Local sources responding to ANN's inquiries, indicate that conditions were 'nice' VFR, and that the aircraft may have collided with terrain (trees) prior to a landing.

The aircraft, N1223S, was a Cirrus SR22 rebuilt from a prior accident in which it had become the first certificated airframe to make use of a BRS/CAPS emergency parachute system to conduct an emergency rescue that resulted in surprisingly little damage. The aircraft had been resold to a new owner after Cirrus spent considerable time studying the airframe and then restoring it to flight-ready condition.

The aircraft went down in the Flambeau River. One of the POBs was heli-transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, while the other was pronounced dead at the scene. Local eyewitnesses report hearing the impact with the water, while nearby boaters provided initial help and attempted rescue. One local media report, quoting Sheriff's sources, reports that the aircraft was making an emergency landing. ANN's conversation with the Price County Sheriff was not able to verify those details and the Sheriff's Department refused to confirm the media report.

According to the Price County Sheriff, Wallace C. Krenzke, "on Friday, September 10, 2004 at approximately 12:00 PM a single engine aircraft crashed while attempting a landing at the Park Falls Airport in northern Price County. There were two occupants in the aircraft. One fatality resulted from the crash. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of families."

The incident remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff's Department, the Price County Coroner's Office, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com