WHO Involved: Peter A Aarsvold, 67, of Verona, WI
Arthur L Simpson, 76, of Richland Center, WI
WHERE Incident Happened: Marsh/Swamp land South of 28321 US HWY 14 Lone Rock, WI
What happened:On October 12, 2026, shortly after 1:00 p.m., pilot Peter Aarsvold of Verona, Wisconsin, was conducting a maiden test flight of a single-engine aircraft owned by Arthur Simpson of Richland Center, Wisconsin. A short time into the flight, Aarsvold began experiencing problems with the aircraft. While communicating with the aircraft’s owner, Aarsvold indicated that he believed the aircraft was going down. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a swamp and marsh area behind a residence in rural Richland County.
The homeowner witnessed the aircraft descend into the marsh and immediately contacted Richland County 911 to report the incident. Aarsvold also contacted 911 while trapped inside the cockpit and remained on the phone with dispatchers until emergency responders were able to reach him.
Emergency personnel from the responding agencies arrived at the scene and began the difficult task of navigating approximately 700 feet through challenging swamp and marsh terrain to reach the GPS location of Aarsvold’s cellular phone. A drone was utilized to monitor the scene and assist responders as they worked their way through the treacherous terrain toward the crash site.
Rescue personnel were ultimately able to extricate Aarsvold from the aircraft. Due to the challenging terrain, he was carried to a location accessible by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) airboat. Once removed from the marsh, Aarsvold, still conscious and alert, was transported by Med Link to Gundersen Hospital for treatment of injuries.
As a result of the demanding rescue operation and extreme physical exertion in the challenging conditions, multiple emergency responders were transported by Richland County EMS to Richland Hospital for evaluation and treatment of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The incident remains under investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to all responding agencies and personnel who worked together during this challenging rescue operation. Also, a thank-you to All American Do It Center of Richland Center, whose staff promptly provided materials to assist emergency personnel when requested. Their support was greatly appreciated.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate.
Other Agencies Involved:Richland Center Fire Department, Lone Rock EMS, Lone Rock Fire Department, Cazenovia Fire Department, Muscoda Fire Department, Avoca PD, WI DNR, Med Link, Richland County Emergency Management, Wegners Towing, Richland County Sheriff Done Team, Richland County EMS, Spring Green Fire Dept. Special mention to All American Do It Center Richland Center.