A Wisconsin dairy owner and his son-in-law were among at least three people killed when a small plane crashed into a central Indiana farm field, the business said Friday.
Wisconsin-based Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy identified those who died as Kewaunee Country business owner John T. Pagel, his son-in-law, Steven Witcpalek, and pilot Nathan Saari.
No one survived the crash that happened about 7.30pm Thursday just north of the small town of Rossville, about 60 miles (96.5km) northwest of Indianapolis, according to Indiana State Police.
It had taken off from the Eagle Creek Airport in Indianapolis and was headed to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Kewaunee, Wisconsin-based Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy identified those who died as business owner John T. Pagel (pictured), his son-in-law, Steven Witcpalek, and pilot Nathan Saari
No one survived the crash that happened about 7.30pm Thursday just north of the small town of Rossville, about 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) northwest of Indianapolis. Victim Steven Witcpalek is pictured above
There was no severe weather in the area at the time of the crash and a possible cause wasn’t immediately known. Crash scene above
Multiple people were on board the plane when it crashed into the muddy field, but state police spokesman Sgt. Kim Riley said investigators hadn’t confirmed by midday Friday how many people it was carrying.
‘The wreckage is spread over quite a big area,’ Riley said.
A statement from the business said the Pagel family is grieving the loss.
It said: ‘The Pagel and Witcpalek families are heartbroken over this tragic loss. John and Steve were wonderful family men and dedicated dairymen who brought joy to the lives of so many people.
‘They valued their community, loved their neighbors and lived life to the fullest. Although it’s unimaginable to think of a future without them, we know that their loving spirit will guide us.
‘We sincerely thank the countless people who have showered us with love and support.
‘We also grieve for the loved ones of the pilot who was lost, Nathan Saari, as they try to bear the terrible pain of this tragedy. We appreciate your respect for our privacy as we wait for additional information.’
Victims: John T. Pagel (left) and his son-in-law, Steven Witcpalek (right) were among the dead
A statement from the business said the Pagel family is grieving the loss. ‘We appreciate the outpouring of the communities’ thoughts and prayers,’ the statement said. Pagel is pictured above
State police identified the plane as a Cessna 441 Conquest Turboprop. Such twin-propeller planes can carry up to 10 people.
There was no severe weather in the area at the time of the crash and a possible cause wasn’t immediately known.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene Friday, Riley said.
It had taken off from the Eagle Creek Airport in Indianapolis and was headed to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
City of Green Bay Mayor James J Schmitt said: ‘Our community lost a true leader with the death of John Pagel. John’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of his employees made him a genuine business success.
‘His opening of the Cannery Restaurant on Broadway, and other investments, has made Green Bay a better place.’
City of Green Bay Mayor James J Schmitt said: ‘Our community lost a true leader with the death of John Pagel. John’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of his employees made him a genuine business success.’ Pagel is seen above in a Facebook photo
Indiana State Police Sgt. Kim Riley discusses on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, the plane crash that occurred in Carroll County Thursday evening