In July 2023, a North American T-6 Texan private plane crashed into Lake Winnebago near Wittman Regional Airport, resulting in two fatalities. The accident occurred during the EAA AirVenture event, highlighting the critical risks associated with maneuvering flight in high-density airspace and the unforgiving nature of vintage warbird operations.
Detailed Chronology of the Oshkosh Aviation Accident
The accident involving the North American T-6 Texan occurred on the morning of Saturday, July 22, 2023. The aircraft, a vintage 1944 model, departed from Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was maneuvering over Lake Winnebago, a large body of water immediately to the east of the airport, when it suddenly descended rapidly and impacted the water.
The wreckage was located in approximately 12 to 15 feet of water. Search and recovery operations were immediately initiated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local dive teams. The two occupants on board, identified as 30-year-old Devyn Reiley and 20-year-old Zach Colliemore, were tragically killed upon impact. The recovery process was complicated by the murky conditions of the lake and the structural fragmentation of the vintage airframe.
This specific incident was part of a dark day for the aviation community, as it occurred just hours before a separate mid-air collision on the airport grounds involving a helicopter and a gyroplane. However, the T-6 crash into Lake Winnebago remained a focal point for investigators due to the high profile of the pilot and the specific flight characteristics of the North American T-6 Texan, often referred to as the "Pilot Maker."
Technical Specifications of the North American T-6 Texan
To understand the mechanics of this crash, one must examine the technical nature of the aircraft involved. The North American T-6 Texan was the primary advanced trainer for Allied pilots during World War II. It is a complex, high-performance aircraft that requires significant skill and constant attention, particularly during low-altitude maneuvering.
Engine and Performance
The T-6 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp radial engine, producing 600 horsepower. While robust, radial engines of this era require precise management of manifold pressure and RPM to prevent power loss. During the investigation, mechanical forensic teams scrutinized the engine components to determine if a power plant failure contributed to the sudden descent.
Handling Characteristics and "The Wing Drop"
The T-6 is notorious among warbird pilots for its stall characteristics. Unlike modern trainers designed with benign stall behaviors, the T-6 can exhibit a sharp "wing drop" if the pilot exceeds the critical angle of attack (AOA) while in a turn. If a stall occurs during a steep turn—known as an accelerated stall—the aircraft can enter an incipient spin with very little warning. At the low altitudes reported by witnesses near Lake Winnebago, recovery from such a state is statistically improbable.
Environmental and Airspace Challenges at Wittman Regional Airport
Wittman Regional Airport during the EAA AirVenture fly-in is uniquely hazardous. For one week every year, KOSH becomes the busiest airport in the world, handling over 10,000 aircraft and nearly 19,000 takeoffs and landings. This environment creates immense psychological and physiological pressure on pilots.
The Fisk Arrival and Departure Procedures
Pilots arriving at Oshkosh must follow a highly specific Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), which includes the "Fisk Arrival." This involves following a set of railroad tracks at specific altitudes and speeds, often with minimal separation from other aircraft. While the T-6 in this incident had already departed, the surrounding airspace remained congested. Pilots often find themselves looking outside for traffic so frequently that they may neglect internal instrument monitoring, such as airspeed or coordination ball position.
Water Over-Flight Risks
Lake Winnebago serves as a primary corridor for departures and arrivals at Wittman. While flying over water provides a clear path, it can also lead to "flat light" or "glassy water" illusions, which make depth perception difficult for pilots. If a pilot is maneuvering at low altitude, a loss of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's height above the water can lead to a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) or a botched recovery from a minor excursion.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigation Findings
Following the 2023 crash, the NTSB conducted a multi-year investigation that concluded with a focus on maneuvering flight. In general aviation, maneuvering flight—which includes turns, climbs, and descents for the purpose of photography, sightseeing, or aerobatics—is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents.
Probable Cause Analysis
The investigation looked into several factors:
- Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I): The primary focus was whether the aircraft entered an unintended stall/spin sequence during a turn over the lake.
- Mechanical Forensics: Investigators examined the flight control cables, engine valves, and propeller pitch mechanisms. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure was found, which typically shifts the focus toward pilot factors.
- Human Performance: The NTSB reviewed the pilot’s experience level and recent flight time. Even highly experienced pilots can fall victim to "complacency" or "distraction" in high-stress environments like AirVenture.
By 2026, the findings from this and other 2023 Oshkosh incidents have led to revised safety briefings for all Warbird pilots participating in the event. There is now a greater emphasis on "Sterile Cockpit" procedures when maneuvering at altitudes below 1,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).
Comparative Analysis: General Aviation Safety Metrics
The following table compares the safety statistics of general aviation (GA) aircraft categories typically present at Oshkosh. This data helps contextualize why vintage "Warbirds" like the T-6 require specialized training and higher safety margins.
| Aircraft Category | Fatal Accident Rate (per 100k hours) | Primary Risk Factor | Common Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Certified | 0.84 | Weather/IFR issues | Advanced Avionics/Autopilot |
| Experimental/Amateur-Built | 2.1 - 3.2 | Powerplant Failure/Flight Testing | Phase I Flight Testing Rigor |
| Vintage Warbirds (T-6, P-51) | 1.8 - 2.5 | Maneuvering/Loss of Control | Type-Specific Transition Training |
| Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) | 1.5 | Low Kinetic Energy/Wind Sensitivity | Strict Operating Limitations |
Note: Data reflects averages leading into the 2026 reporting period based on NTSB and AOPA Air Safety Institute archives.
Lessons Learned for General Aviation Pilots
The tragedy near Wittman Regional Airport serves as a somber reminder of the "deadly turn." When a pilot is in a 60-degree banked turn, the stall speed of the aircraft increases by approximately 41%. If the pilot is also pulling "G-load" to tighten the turn, the stall speed increases even further.
The Importance of Angle of Attack (AOA) Indicators
In recent years, the FAA has pushed for the installation of AOA indicators in general aviation cockpits. Unlike a standard airspeed indicator, which only tells the pilot how fast they are moving, an AOA indicator provides a direct measurement of the remaining lift on the wing. Had more vintage aircraft been equipped with modern AOA systems in 2023, pilots might have received earlier warnings of an impending aerodynamic stall.
Currency vs. Proficiency
A critical distinction in aviation is being "current" (meeting the legal minimums to fly) versus being "proficient" (being truly skilled and comfortable in the aircraft). For high-performance vintage planes, proficiency requires regular practice in stall recovery and slow-flight handling. The aviation community in 2026 continues to advocate for "back-to-basics" stick-and-rudder training to combat the rising trend of loss-of-control accidents.
Regulatory and Event Response Since the Accident
Following the 2023 fatalities, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the FAA implemented several changes to the AirVenture safety protocol. These changes were fully integrated by the 2025 and 2026 events to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
- Revised Maneuvering Areas: Certain areas over Lake Winnebago previously used for "free maneuvering" have been more strictly regulated to ensure they do not interfere with arrival and departure corridors.
- Enhanced Pilot Briefings: Pilots of Warbird and Experimental aircraft now undergo more rigorous safety screenings and must attend mandatory safety webinars prior to arriving at Oshkosh.
- Emergency Response Coordination: The 2023 crash highlighted the need for rapid water-based rescue. Consequently, additional rescue craft are now stationed at strategic points along the Lake Winnebago shoreline during the peak hours of the airshow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 2023 Oshkosh T-6 crash?
The NTSB's investigation into the North American T-6 crash near Wittman Regional Airport focused on a loss of control during maneuvering flight. While the aircraft impacted the water at high speed, no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure was found, suggesting an aerodynamic stall or pilot spatial disorientation during a turn over Lake Winnebago as the most likely factors.
Who were the victims in the Oshkosh private plane crash?
The two individuals lost in the T-6 Texan crash were Devyn Reiley, a 30-year-old co-founder of a flight school and daughter of a former NFL player, and Zach Colliemore, a 20-year-old passenger. Their deaths deeply affected the aviation community, particularly the vintage aircraft and "warbird" enthusiasts who gather annually in Oshkosh.
Is flying into Oshkosh considered dangerous?
Flying into Wittman Regional Airport during EAA AirVenture is statistically more demanding than standard general aviation flying due to the extreme traffic density. However, with thousands of successful operations annually, it is not considered "dangerous" for pilots who are well-prepared, follow the NOTAM precisely, and maintain high levels of situational awareness.
Why is the North American T-6 Texan called the "Pilot Maker"?
The T-6 Texan earned the nickname "Pilot Maker" because it was designed to be difficult to fly. It was intended to bridge the gap between simple primary trainers and high-performance fighters like the P-51 Mustang. Its sensitive handling, propensity for ground loops, and sharp stall characteristics forced student pilots to develop superior coordination and attention to detail.
What is being done in 2026 to improve safety at airshows?
In 2026, airshow safety focuses on digital integration and pilot wellness. This includes the use of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) for better traffic separation in congested areas and a renewed emphasis on "Human Factors" training, which helps pilots recognize when fatigue or stress might be impairing their decision-making.
Practical Recommendations for General Aviation Safety
For pilots and enthusiasts attending events at Wittman Regional Airport or similar high-density venues, safety must be the primary objective over performance or "showmanship."
- Prioritize AOA Training: If your aircraft is equipped with an Angle of Attack indicator, train until its use becomes second nature. If not, consider an upgrade.
- Avoid Low-Altitude Maneuvering: Unless specifically required for a stabilized approach or departure, avoid steep banks and aggressive maneuvers at altitudes where recovery from a stall is impossible.
- Maintain a "Safety First" Mindset: Peer pressure or the excitement of a major event like AirVenture can cloud judgment. Always be willing to "scrub" a flight if the weather, the aircraft, or the pilot is not at 100%.
- Seek Transition Training: Before flying high-performance or vintage aircraft, undergo specific transition training with an instructor who has hundreds of hours in that specific make and model.
The 2023 crash near Wittman remains a tragic chapter in Oshkosh history, but the lessons derived from the loss of the T-6 Texan continue to inform and protect the next generation of aviators through 2026 and beyond.
