A 69-year-old man from Rosendale flew a helicopter to the Cabela's parking lot in Richfield on Aug. 1, saying the drive was "too long." Body-worn camera footage released by the Washington County Sheriff's Office shows the silver aircraft parked in an otherwise empty section of the lot around 6 p.m. Officials confirmed the pilot was licensed, followed FAA rules, answered deputies' questions and was not cited or arrested. Authorities called it an unusual — but regulation-compliant — parking choice.
Wisconsin Pilot Lands Helicopter In Cabela's Parking Lot, Says 'Drive Was Too Long'
South County Fire
A 69-year-old pilot from Rosendale touched down in the parking lot of the Cabela's outdoor store in the Village of Richfield on the evening of Aug. 1, telling deputies he flew because "the drive was too long." Body-worn camera footage released by the Washington County Sheriff's Office shows a silver helicopter parked in an otherwise empty section of the lot at about 6 p.m.
Officials Confirm Compliance
The sheriff's office said the pilot was properly licensed, landed safely and complied with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Deputies who responded to the scene interviewed the pilot and reviewed landing requirements; no violations or arrests were reported.
South County Fire
Details And Context
Rosendale is roughly 52 miles north of Richfield, a drive of nearly an hour along Interstate 41 — which the pilot cited as the reason for flying. Officials emphasized that, while unusual, the landing posed no public-safety issues and was handled in accordance with the rules governing helicopter operations.
"No violations. No arrests. Just a unique way to make a shopping trip to avoid all the roundabouts in front of Cabela's," the Washington County Sheriff's Office said.
Body-camera video accompanying the sheriff's office statement shows the aircraft stationary in the lot and officers speaking with the pilot. Authorities released the footage as part of their routine reporting on the incident.
This atypical parking choice drew attention because of the location, but officials concluded the flight and landing complied with regulations and safety protocols.
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