Mechanical failure suspected in plane crash that killed Port pilot

The plane crash that killed Port Washington businessman and pilot David Schmutzler was apparently caused by a mechanical failure, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Schmutzler, 80, died Saturday, May 16, of injuries he suffered in a plane crash near the Burlington Municipal Airport 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 15.

He was attempting to return to the airport for the second time that night after experiencing a mechanical problem the first time, the report states.

The report states that Schmutzler, who was alone on the plane, had flown the Cessna Centurion plane from West Bend to Burlington to troubleshoot an avionics connection with his electronic flight device.

Shortly after he left Burlington heading to West Bend, the report says, he experienced a malfunction of the horizontal situation indicator and returned to Burlington.

During an inspection with a mechanic, it was discovered that the plane’s alternator belt failed, according to the report. It was replaced with a new one and Schmutzler headed back to West Bend.

Shortly after departure, Schmutzler radioed that he was again returning to the airport, the report says.

“A witness, located at (Burlington Municipal Airport) observed the airplane on final approach at a low altitude and low airspeed,” the report states. “He stated that the airplane ‘clearly stalled,’ contacted trees and disappeared from his view.”

The plane was found about a half-mile short of the runway in a wooded area. Both wings and the forward fuselage had hit several trees, according to the report, which noted that winds were calm at the time.

Schmutzler had to be extricated from the plane, authorities said, and he was talking to rescue personnel. He was taken to Aurora Medical Center in Burlington, then transferred to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.

He had several operations before he died at about 12:52 a.m. Saturday.

Schmutzler, who began flying at age 11 and logged 15,453 hours in the air, was president, owner and co-founder of Jadair International in downtown Port Washington as well as a flight instructor.

Jadair International is a maker of water recycling equipment for the mining and construction industry. Schmutzler flew often for business, finding it easier to visit job sites throughout the country, as well as a for pleasure, his family said.