bryan zilonis
great lakes RVP
"The extent of the 40-minute challenge
presented by this Beechcra Baron was
significant. The aircra encountered severe
icing. Low altitude became an issue, and
the pilot, Mr. John Laws, reported he lost his
gyro. But Green Bay members Justin Krenke,
Adam Helm, and Mike Ostrander met that
challenge with determination, skill, and calm
professionalism. Krenke also brought his
considerable pilot experience and multiple
ratings to help in the assist. As a result, the
five people onboard the aircra all survived.
The fact that this pilot was flying for Wings of
Mercy to help low-income medical patients
only makes this flight assist more special."
13
time maintaining headings and altitude due to the icing.
About 20 miles from GRB, the pilot declared an emergency
and descended below the minimum vectoring altitude in an
attempt to get under the icing conditions.
The controllers jumped into action and relayed possible
obstructions to the pilot. They also found an alternate airport
where the pilot could land, Oconto Airport (OCQ). Helm called
the Oconto police dispatcher and advised that there was an
aircraft in distress that would be attempting an emergency
landing at the uncontrolled satellite field, and that emergency
services would be required.
Krenke vectored the aircraft over OCQ several times while
Helm stayed on the phone with the dispatcher. The pilot
stated that there were plows on the runway so he was not able
to land. The controllers quickly told the dispatcher the plows
needed to vacate the runway. On the next pass, they lost
radar and communication with the aircraft, but the dispatcher
relayed that the aircraft had crash landed.
Thanks to Krenke, Helm, and Ostrander, the pilot and his
passengers survived the crash landing.
