Pilot dies in gyroplane crash near Viroqua airport

VIROQUA, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in southwestern Wisconsin say the pilot of a gyroplane died when the aircraft crashed into a field near Viroqua Municipal Airport.

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office says dispatchers received a 911 call about the crash around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Emergency crews quickly located the downed aircraft in the Town of Jefferson.

Firefighters put out a small fire. The pilot was the only person aboard the gyro.

Witnesses told police they could see the aircraft leaving the airport, heard the engine stop and saw the gyro descend.

Police say the single rotor detached from the aircraft upon impact, and the body of the gyro continued another 40 feet before coming to rest in a cornfield.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports the pilot’s name was not released. Federal authorities are investigating.