What happened
During an approach toward Racine-Batten Airport, an aircraft impacted the surface of Lake Michigan several miles away from the shoreline. The impact occurred while the plane was at an altitude that proved insufficient for safe flight. Following the crash, debris from the wreckage was found floating on the water and subsequently recovered by responders.
There were seven fatalities recorded in the accident, with no survivors among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Official investigations into the crash concluded that the crew did not maintain a safe altitude during the descent toward the airport. While investigators identified that the flight was operating below the minimum safe altitude, they were unable to determine the specific reason why the crew failed to maintain sufficient height above the water surface.