UPDATE: Two Wisconsin Men Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Airlake Airport
Updated: September 9, 2025, at 1:30 PM
UPDATE: Two Wisconsin Men Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Airlake Airport
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has officially released the names of two men killed in Saturday’s helicopter crash west of Airlake Airport in Lakeville.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as:
David Kent Schmitz, 81, of Spooner, Wisconsin
Robert Gene Drallmeier, 66, of Glenwood City, Wisconsin
The report says both men passed at the scene from serious injuries sustained when the helicopter went down near Highview Avenue and 219th Street West on September 6, 2025. Family and friends of the two men report that they were both good friends and veterans.
Investigation Ongoing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with assistance from the Lakeville Police Department. Investigators are expected to issue a preliminary report in the coming days; however, a final determination on the cause of the crash may take several months.
Limitless Media will continue to provide updates as federal investigators release further findings. You can find our original story on this incident, below.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the NTSB by emailing at witness@ntsb.gov.
ORIGINAL STORY - LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA: A helicopter crash west of Airlake Airport Saturday afternoon has left no survivors, according to officials with the City of Lakeville.
At approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 6, 2025, Lakeville Police responded to a report of a downed aircraft. Officers located the wreckage west of Highview Avenue, near 219th Street West. Responding officers, along with Lakeville Fire Department personnel, confirmed there did not appear to be any survivors. Authorities emphasized that the crash occurred in a non-residential, non-commercial area and that there is no indication anyone on the ground was impacted beyond those onboard the aircraft.
The NTSB has confirmed the helicopter is a Robinson R66. According to FlightRadar, and reports that the tail number was N6633L, it appears that this aircraft took off from Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
The Airlake Airport was closed following the crash while the investigation into the crash was ongoing.
Last flight path of the helicopter, as recorded by FlightRadar.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are responding to the scene. These agencies will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Officials say additional details about the aircraft, the number of occupants, and possible contributing factors will be released following the FAA and NTSB’s preliminary investigation. That process may take several days, with a final determination on the cause expected much later.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of those who died in the crash in the coming days, once family notifications are made.
About the Area
The crash site is located west of Airlake Airport, a public-use reliever airport situated in Lakeville and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). The airport is widely used for private aviation, business flights, and flight training, and plays an important role in reducing congestion at larger airports in the Twin Cities metro.
The wreckage was located near nearby railroad tracks and open land, away from residential or commercial development, limiting the impact of the crash to those onboard.
Rough location of the crash site.
Limitless Media will continue to provide updates as the FAA and NTSB release further details on the investigation.
Written by: Will Wight
