David Schmitz,Robert Drallmeier Obituary, Death; – Authorities have identified two men from Wisconsin who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Lakeville over the weekend.
David Schmitz, aged 81, from Spooner, and Robert Drallmeier, aged 66, from Glenwood City, perished when their helicopter went down at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Saturday near Airlake Airport.
Both individuals were military veterans who established a group that showcased flight demonstrations to the public, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Schmitz, who was at the controls of the Robinson R66 helicopter on Saturday, served in the Marine Corps and piloted helicopters during the Vietnam War, while Drallmeier served in the Army.
For over a decade, the duo had been involved in public demonstrations using a Vietnam War-era Huey helicopter through their organization, Combat Helicopters LLC, with Schmitz as the pilot and Drallmeier as the crew chief. Barry Hammarback, a friend and collaborator, informed the Strib that their team had performed in front of thousands over the years as a tribute to veterans.
“It was just a tight family,” he remarked. “This is the end of the run for us. I just don’t think we can keep doing what we’ve been doing without those two.”
WCCO reports that Schmitz also co-founded the T6 Thunder Flight Team, which participates in parades and events featuring military aircraft for veterans, and he flew a helicopter at a veterans event in Jordan on Saturday. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the details surrounding the crash.
