safety
Pilot who died in plane crash at Winona Airport identified
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
The pilot of a small aircraft has died after crashing at the Winona Municipal Airport on Thursday evening, according to the FAA.
Officials say the pilot of an Airborne Windsports Microlight aircraft was the only person on board when it crashed shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday.
Winona Fire say...
Key takeaway Winona Fire says first responders tried to save him but the pilot, identified as 74-year-old Wayne William Ledebuhr, of Winona, died at the scene.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The plane crash at Winona Municipal Airport raises concerns about aviation safety in the region. As a community that relies on small airports for connectivity, the incident may prompt a review of safety protocols and emergency response measures at similar facilities in the Twin Cities area. The fact that details about the crash, including the number of fatalities and the circumstances of the incident, are still emerging, underscores the need for thorough investigation and transparency. For Minneapolis residents who frequently travel to neighboring cities like Winona, the crash is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with small plane travel. As more information becomes available, local authorities and aviation experts will likely be watching closely to see if there are any implications for safety procedures at airports in Hennepin County and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The pilot of a small aircraft has died after crashing at the Winona Municipal Airport on Thursday evening, according to the FAA.
Officials say the pilot of an Airborne Windsports Microlight aircraft was the only person on board when it crashed shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday.
Winona Fire say...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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