Mayor’s Para-Ski Crash Investigation | Sioux Falls News

Sioux Falls News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 19, 2026 · 1m

Aberdeen mayor Travis Schaunaman and his 8-year-old son tragically died in a powered parachute crash near Westport on August 19th, just minutes after takeoff — the boy was on his lap. His daughter, seated in the back, suffered minor injuries. The NTSB revealed the aircraft didn’t qualify as an ultralight due to its fuel capacity and passenger load. Worse, the pilot held only a drone certification — not for manned aircraft — raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and safety. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is reeling from this devastating loss. Listen in…