https://www.tmj4.com/news/racine-county/coast-guard-responds-to-aircraft-emergency-off-racine-after-plane-loses-contact(Bit of a lengthy listen but worth it, took a bit as approach/departure are on the same scanner, but picked out 99% of it. Kudos to the ATC's at KMKE, rock stars.
and to the pilot who circled until the Coast Guard arrived. all turned out good)
By: Jay Sirkin , Megan Lee
Posted 2:24 PM, Sep 11, 2025 and last updated 11:34 PM, Sep 11, 2025
WIND POINT, Wis. — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three people Thursday after a small aircraft went into Lake Michigan near Wind Point.
All three occupants were wearing life jackets and were uninjured, according to Lt. Joe Neff with the Coast Guard. They were taken to the Coast Guard station in Milwaukee, arriving about 2:30 p.m.
"We’re very fortunate that not only they, all three were safe in the plane crash, but then were able to have life jackets to float there in the water for about 40 minutes before we got n scene to pick them up," Lt. Neff said. Their aircraft took off from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport around 12:17 p.m. and was headed to Michigan when it encountered a problem in flight, according to a spokesperson for the airport.
The plane then ended up in the waters of Lake Michigan about 20 minutes later.
"All three were in the water, not sure if they were hanging onto the aircraft but all three were in the water," Lt. Neff explained.
