Weather, pilot's medications contributed to deadly 2023 small plane crash near Milwaukee

Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 18:04 GMT by Fox 11 News
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A pilot and passenger were killed in the crash.

NTSB Report: Weather, Pilot Medications, and Impairment Key Factors in Fatal 2023 Plane Crash Near Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A tragic small plane crash in southern Wisconsin last year, which claimed the lives of two experienced pilots, was likely exacerbated by a combination of adverse weather conditions, medication-induced impairment, and spatial disorientation, according to a detailed report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The incident, occurring near Watertown Municipal Airport just outside Milwaukee, has raised fresh concerns about the intersection of pilot health, prescription drugs, and challenging flight environments in general aviation.

The crash unfolded on a foggy morning in July 2023, when a single-engine Cessna 182, carrying two men – both certified pilots with thousands of hours of combined flight experience – plummeted into a field shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses described hearing the plane's engine sputtering before it vanished into the low-lying clouds, only to reemerge in a steep dive that ended in a fiery impact. The victims were identified as William Lumpkin, 62, of Hartford, Wisconsin, who was piloting the aircraft, and his co-pilot and friend, Charles "Chuck" Harlan, 58, from nearby Oconomowoc. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, and the wreckage was scattered across a rural cornfield, drawing immediate response from local emergency services and federal investigators.

In its comprehensive final report, the NTSB outlined a sequence of events that began with what appeared to be a routine departure from Watertown Municipal Airport. The pilots had filed a flight plan to head east toward Milwaukee's Timmerman Airport, a short hop of about 40 miles. However, meteorological data revealed that the area was shrouded in dense fog and low visibility, with ceilings hovering around 300 feet – conditions that bordered on instrument flight rules (IFR) but were attempted under visual flight rules (VFR). Investigators noted that while both pilots held instrument ratings, the decision to proceed in such weather without activating an IFR plan may have set the stage for disaster.

A pivotal element in the NTSB's findings was the role of medications found in the pilots' systems. Autopsy results from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, incorporated into the report, showed that Lumpkin, the pilot in command, had therapeutic levels of multiple prescription drugs in his bloodstream. These included antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, which are commonly prescribed but carry warnings about potential side effects like drowsiness, impaired judgment, and reduced reaction times. Harlan, the co-pilot, also tested positive for similar substances, though at lower concentrations. The report emphasized that while these medications were not necessarily at toxic levels, their combined effects could have contributed to cognitive impairment, especially under the stress of poor visibility.

"The autopsy findings indicate that the pilot's use of sedating medications likely impaired his ability to maintain control of the aircraft," the NTSB stated in its probable cause summary. "This impairment, coupled with spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, resulted in a loss of aircraft control." Spatial disorientation, a phenomenon where pilots lose their sense of up, down, and level flight due to conflicting sensory inputs, is a well-documented hazard in aviation, particularly in low-visibility scenarios. In this case, radar data and wreckage analysis suggested the plane entered a rapid descent shortly after climbing into the clouds, banking sharply before impacting the ground at a near-vertical angle.

Investigators reconstructed the flight path using data from the plane's onboard GPS and air traffic control recordings. The Cessna departed Runway 23 at Watertown around 8:45 a.m. local time, climbing to approximately 1,200 feet before beginning an erratic turn. No distress calls were made, which experts say could indicate the pilots were too disoriented or impaired to communicate effectively. The engine was found to be mechanically sound, ruling out mechanical failure as the primary cause. Instead, the report pointed to human factors as the crux of the accident.

This crash is not an isolated incident in the annals of aviation safety. The NTSB has long highlighted the risks associated with pilots flying while on medications that affect central nervous system function. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines require pilots to self-report medication use and obtain medical clearance, but enforcement relies heavily on honesty and periodic medical exams. In Lumpkin's case, records showed he held a valid second-class medical certificate, but the report questioned whether his prescribing physicians were fully aware of his flying activities or the potential interactions of his medications.

Aviation experts have weighed in on the implications of the findings. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a forensic toxicologist who has consulted on similar cases, explained that drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, while beneficial for mental health, can subtly alter perception and decision-making. "In a high-stakes environment like piloting, even mild impairment can cascade into catastrophe," she said. "This crash underscores the need for more stringent screening and perhaps mandatory reporting of all prescriptions to aviation authorities."

The weather factor cannot be understated. Southern Wisconsin in midsummer often experiences patchy fog from the region's lakes and rivers, creating hazardous conditions for small aircraft. The NTSB report included data from nearby weather stations showing visibility as low as a quarter-mile at the time of takeoff. Pilots in the area have long complained about the unpredictability of such conditions, and this incident has prompted calls for improved weather monitoring and advisory systems at smaller airports like Watertown Municipal.

Family members of the victims have expressed a mix of grief and resolve in the wake of the report. Lumpkin's widow, Sarah, spoke at a memorial service last year, saying, "Bill loved flying more than anything; it was his passion. But we need to learn from this to prevent others from suffering the same loss." Harlan's family echoed similar sentiments, advocating for greater awareness about medication risks in aviation.

The NTSB's recommendations stemming from this investigation include enhanced FAA oversight of pilot medication use, potentially through integrated databases linking medical records with flight certifications. They also suggest mandatory training modules on recognizing spatial disorientation and the importance of transitioning to instrument flying in marginal weather. General aviation groups, such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), have responded by pledging to incorporate these lessons into their safety seminars.

This accident adds to a troubling trend in small plane crashes, where human error often intertwines with environmental challenges. According to NTSB statistics, weather-related incidents account for about 20% of general aviation fatalities, while impairment from substances – legal or otherwise – contributes to another significant portion. In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw over 1,200 general aviation accidents, with hundreds resulting in injuries or deaths.

As the aviation community digests this report, the focus shifts to prevention. Airports in Wisconsin and beyond are reviewing their protocols, and pilots are being reminded of the FAA's "IMSAFE" checklist – a pre-flight self-assessment for illness, medication, stress, alcohol, fatigue, and emotion. For Lumpkin and Harlan, two men who shared a love for the skies, their final flight serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human capability and the unforgiving nature of flight.

In the broader context, this crash highlights ongoing debates about mental health in aviation. Pilots often face stigma when disclosing conditions like depression or anxiety, fearing loss of certification. The NTSB report subtly urges a cultural shift toward supportive policies that allow pilots to seek treatment without jeopardizing their livelihoods. Organizations like the FAA's Aeromedical Certification Division are already exploring ways to approve more medications for use by pilots, provided they demonstrate no adverse effects.

Local authorities in Watertown have also taken steps post-crash, installing additional signage and weather kiosks at the airport to aid pilots in decision-making. Community vigils and safety workshops have become commonplace, fostering a dialogue about responsible flying.

Ultimately, the 2023 Watertown crash is a multifaceted tragedy, blending personal health choices, environmental hazards, and the inherent risks of aviation. As investigations like this one inform future regulations, the hope is that such insights will ground preventable errors and keep more aviators safely in the air. The full NTSB report is available for public review, offering a sobering blueprint for safer skies.

Read the Full Fox 11 News Article at:
[ https://fox11online.com/news/state/weather-pilots-medications-contributed-to-deadly-2023-small-plane-crash-near-milwaukee-watertown-municipal-airport-southern-wisconsin-ntsb-report-autopsy-impairment-disorientation ]

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