A 1993 YAK-55M single engine plane crashed at Stevens Point Municipal Airport, Portage County, Wisconsin, while performing in an air show just before 12:30 p.m. on June 1.
The single-seater plane especially designed for aerobatics competitions was performing aerial maneuvers during the aerobatics portion of the biennial air show when it crashed into a wooded area close to the airport runway. One of the eye witnesses described the incident saying, “the airplane spiralled toward the ground, looped up, and then crashed into the trees.”
The 47 year old pilot died on the spot. He has been identified as William Cowden, of Menomonie.
All the festivities at the airport were stopped immediately after the plane went down.
Stevens Point police secured the site until officials of the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board arrived to conduct further investigation. Police are asking anyone having video of the incident to contact Detective Sgt. Joe Gruber at (715) 346-1518.