On August 7, 2025, just before 4:00 p.m., Norfolk Dispatch received a report of a “mayday” call from an aircraft that had recently departed from Norfolk Regional Airport.

The distress call was relayed to law enforcement, and it was soon confirmed that the aircraft had made an emergency landing in a bean field east of Norfolk, Nebraska.

Personnel from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Norfolk Police Department, and Norfolk Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. The downed aircraft was located approximately ¾ of a mile south of the intersection of East Norfolk Avenue and Agnes Drive.

The pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft, identified as Isaac Weix of Menomonie, Wisconsin, was found at the scene and reported no injuries.

Mr. Weix stated that he had departed from Norfolk Regional Airport en route to Wisconsin. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 5,500 feet, he experienced engine trouble and attempted to return to the airport. Realizing he would be unable to make it back, he turned the aircraft into the wind and executed an emergency landing in the bean field.

The incident was reported appropriate aviation authorities.