NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Unauthorized Takeoff, Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is releasing a
preliminary report on a plane crash in Waupaca back in August. According to
information provided by the FAA – the pilot, identified as Andrei Biesinger of Oshkosh – was attempting to escape police and took off
from Wittman Regional Airport
without clearance. 

Biesinger was seriously injured after the crash, and was
taken to a hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody. Air
traffic controllers tried to prevent him from taking off until officers
arrived, but the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office says he ignored those
instructions and nearly struck a squad car while taking off. 

Law enforcement
had reportedly been trying to find Biesinger to take him into custody on
domestic abuse-related charges connected to an incident about two weeks prior
to the crash. 

He faces several charges in Winnebago County,
including Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – and is set to appear in
court next week.