Pilots Repeatedly Request to Land on Frozen Muskego Lake, Raising Safety Concerns

Muskego police warn pilots and spectators to stay off the ice as it is deemed unsafe by local authorities.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Muskego police have been dealing with an unusual problem as pilots have repeatedly radioed air-traffic controllers requesting to land their planes on the frozen surface of Little Muskego Lake. Despite no reports of any incidents, the police and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have expressed concerns about the safety of such landings and have urged both pilots and curious spectators to stay off the ice until conditions are confirmed safe.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the potential risks of unauthorized aircraft landings on frozen lakes, which can endanger both pilots and bystanders. It also underscores the importance of following local regulations and heeding warnings from authorities about unsafe ice conditions.

The details

Muskego police say they received multiple radio requests from pilots asking to land on the frozen surface of Little Muskego Lake, including some asking for low flybys. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contacted dispatch after receiving complaints from residents about the planes circling the lake. Police have warned both pilots and curious spectators to stay off the ice, as it is deemed unsafe by local authorities. Muskego's city code also prohibits propeller-driven vehicles from operating on ice-covered lakes.

  • On Monday, February 16, 2026, Muskego police received the radio requests from pilots to land on Little Muskego Lake.
  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contacted dispatch after receiving complaints from residents about the planes circling the lake.

The players

Muskego Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that has been dealing with the unauthorized aircraft landing requests on Little Muskego Lake and is coordinating with state authorities to address the safety concerns.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that warned dispatch about the unsafe ice conditions on Little Muskego Lake and is working with local police to enforce regulations.

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What’s next

The Muskego Police Department said they will continue to coordinate with state wardens and other local agencies to prevent any unsafe lake landings, and they have asked the public to report any sightings of aircraft or vehicles on the ice.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of following local regulations and heeding warnings from authorities about unsafe ice conditions, as unauthorized aircraft landings on frozen lakes can endanger both pilots and bystanders. It also highlights the need for clear communication and coordination between local law enforcement and state agencies to address such public safety concerns.