Report: Fatal Wis. Plane Crash Was Preceded By Stunts, Tricks

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- a federal reports says the airplane that crashed, killing four Hudson, Wisconsin men last summer, was seen doing "tricks" and "stunts" before it went down.

The crash happened near Amery in Polk County on July 27.

The report said a close friend of the pilot told investigators that 44-year-old Daniel Ortner flew at low altitudes several times to "test the waters."

That friend also said Ortner and all three passengers -- Eric, Michael and Matthew Larson -- tended to "live life on the edge."

He said the men were not averse to high-risk activities.

The investigation found no mechanical malfunctions or failures.