Pilot Killed in Ultralight Trike Crash at Winona Municipal Airport

A 74-year-old pilot died Thursday evening after his Airborne Windsports Edge XT-912-L ultralight trike, registration N912CV, crashed near a runway at Winona Municipal Airport in Winona, Minnesota. The pilot, identified by local authorities as Wayne William Ledebuhr of Winona, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders. No passengers were on board and no other injuries were reported.

Winona Police received the emergency call at 8:01 p.m. Officers arriving at the scene found Ledebuhr unresponsive in the downed aircraft. According to KAAL/ABC 6 News, the aircraft went down during the landing phase of flight.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are jointly investigating the accident. The NTSB confirmed via social media that investigators are examining factors related to the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment, and asked potential witnesses to contact the agency at witness@ntsb.gov. The Airborne Windsports Edge XT-912-L is a weight-shift-control aircraft widely used for recreational flying; aviation safety data indicates that ultralight trikes face elevated risk during low-altitude maneuvers such as takeoff and landing, particularly in shifting wind conditions. A probable cause determination is expected after the investigation concludes.