Watertown fatal plane crash near Brandt-Quirk Park

WATERTOWN, Wis. - A single-engine plane crashed in Watertown near Brandt-Quirk Park on Wednesday morning, June 14.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, two people were on board when the plane went down around 9 a.m. Police said the crash was fatal, but did not say if one or both occupants died. 

"I felt and heard a very loud kaboom even underneath my feet," said Donna Neeman. "The floor inside my house shook."

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Brady Lessner said smoke and flames followed a loud boom. Police said there were small fires around the crash site, which were quickly extinguished. Plane parts were scattered across a soccer field. 

"I saw a couple wheels like on the grass and there was a shoe on fire. That was kind of nerve-wracking. There was also part of the engine that was on the field," Lessner said.

The FAA said the plane had taken off from Watertown Municipal Airport, roughly three miles from the crash scene, and was headed to Manitowish Waters. The fire happened after the plane crashed.

"I was in the garage having coffee...heard a plane that didn’t sound right," said Mary Bellow. She captured smoke rising in the distance: "It was pitch black, but then it was gone within seconds – just gone."

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With evidence markers and witness interviews, authorities piece together the crash. Meanwhile, the community mourns.

"Our prayers, sympathy – we just can’t say enough how sad we are and unfortunate this had happened," Neeman said.

Residents were glad no kids were playing on the soccer field when the plane crashed.