Ruth Haines
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, also known as MKE, is an airport located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, the airport has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. With a range of aircraft using the airport over the years, from propeller-driven planes to Boeing jets, it is worth exploring whether a 747 could land at this airport.
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What You'll Learn
Aircraft accidents at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Aircraft accidents have occurred at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, the "father of the United States Air Force". The airport has been the site of several notable aviation incidents and accidents over the years, some of which resulted in fatalities.
One of the earliest recorded accidents at the airport occurred on December 17, 1954, when a Miller Brewing Company plane, a converted twin-engine Lockheed Ventura, experienced trouble with both engines and crashed shortly after takeoff. This accident claimed the lives of all four individuals on board, including company president Fred Miller, his son Fred Jr., and two company pilots, brothers Joseph and Paul Laird.
Another tragic accident took place on September 6, 1985, involving Midwest Express Flight 105. The flight was operated by a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-14 twin-engine jet airliner, carrying 27 passengers and a crew of 4. Shortly after takeoff, the right engine exploded, causing the plane to sway and stall. Midwest Express Flight 105 ultimately crashed into an open field in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, resulting in the tragic loss of all 31 lives on board. Investigators attributed the primary cause of the accident to improper pilot reaction and a breakdown in crew coordination.
On June 4, 2007, a Cessna Citation II aircraft encountered difficulties and crashed into Lake Michigan shortly after takeoff. The distress signal was issued within five minutes of departure, but unfortunately, all six individuals on board, including the two pilots and four passengers, perished in the accident.
In addition to these major accidents, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has also experienced other incidents. On August 4, 1968, a mid-air collision occurred between a Convair CV-580 and a Cessna 150F approximately 11.5 miles southwest of the airport. While the Convair made a safe emergency landing, the Cessna was destroyed, resulting in the deaths of its three occupants. On July 27, 1974, a USMC Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier crashed during a hover manoeuvre as part of an air show demonstration flight. Fortunately, the pilot survived due to the ejection seat mechanism.
More recently, in November 2024, a crash during a snow removal training exercise near one of the airport's access roads resulted in a large fuel spill and minor injuries to two maintenance workers.
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The airport's history and previous names
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, categorized as a medium-hub primary commercial service facility, is a civil-military airport located 5 nautical miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport is named after United States Army Air Service General Billy Mitchell, who was born in Milwaukee on December 29, 1879, and is often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.
The original airfield was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by local aviator and businessman Thomas Hamilton. In 1926, Milwaukee County purchased the land and renamed the airport Milwaukee County Airport. The first airport terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opened in July 1927. That same month, Northwest Airlines began air service from Milwaukee to Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. In August 1927, world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh visited the airport.
During the late 1930s, a new two-story terminal building was constructed by the Works Progress Administration. On March 17, 1941, the airport was renamed Billy Mitchell Field to honour Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, a Milwaukee native and air power advocate. On January 4, 1945, the field was leased to the War Department for use as a World War II prisoner-of-war camp.
In 1983, Mitchell Field entered the space age by welcoming an advanced technology Boeing 757 jet aircraft. In 1986, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors officially renamed the airport General Mitchell International Airport, reflecting the presence of United States Customs. In 2019, the airport was rebranded as Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to highlight its location and anchor city.
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The airport's use during World War II
The Boeing 747 is a large, wide-body four-engine jet aircraft. It has a wingspan of 64.4 to 68.5 m (211 to 225 ft) and a length of 70.66 to 76.3 m (231 to 250 ft). The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has five asphalt and concrete runways. While I couldn't find explicit confirmation, it is likely that a Boeing 747 could land at this airport.
The airport is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport was originally established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by local businessman and aviator Thomas F. Hamilton. In 1926, the land was purchased by Milwaukee County, and the airport was renamed Milwaukee County Airport.
During World War II, the airport played a significant role. On January 4, 1945, Mitchell Field was leased to the War Department and was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Over 3,000 prisoners and 250 enlisted men stayed at the work camp. German prisoners were surprised to find a large German-American population just beyond the fence.
The airport has a rich history, with the world-famous aviator Charles A. Lindbergh visiting on August 20, 1927. The airport has also been the site of several notable incidents, including hijackings, crashes, and emergency landings. Today, the airport is a civil-military airport, serving as a primary airport for Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. It is also home to the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, which has served a variety of missions worldwide.
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The airport's gate expansions over time
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has undergone several expansions and name changes since its early days as Hamilton Airport in 1920. The airport was purchased by Milwaukee County in 1926 and renamed Milwaukee County Airport, with its first terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opening in July 1927.
During the late 1930s, a new two-story passenger terminal building was constructed, and in March 1941, the airport was renamed General Mitchell Field after Milwaukee native, Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell. In 1955, a new terminal was opened, designed by Leigh Fisher and Associates. This terminal was renovated and expanded in 1985, with the addition of the "hammerhead" section of the D concourse in 1990.
The airport continued to grow, and in 1989, a new Airport Systems Cargo Complex was opened to provide security and ground support services for cargo carriers. On December 14, 1990, a 16-gate addition to Concourse D opened, bringing the total number of gates to 42. In 2007, eight new gates were added to Concourse C, and in 2015, the Baggage Claim facility was renovated. In 2017, Concourse E was redeveloped, and international arrivals processing was moved into the terminal. The airport continues to be recognised as one of the best in the world and is a source of pride for Milwaukeeans.
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The museum dedicated to the airport's history
The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is a non-profit aviation museum located inside Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing southeast Wisconsin's flight heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into Milwaukee's history and the evolution of flight over the years.
The gallery is named after General William "Billy" Mitchell, who was born into a prominent Milwaukee family in 1879. Mitchell rose through the ranks of the Signal Corps and was appointed to the General Staff in 1912, the youngest person at the time to hold such a position. He was a strong advocate for air power and is often regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport itself is also named in his honour.
The museum houses a variety of exhibits, articles, artifacts, and models related to aviation history. Visitors can learn about Wisconsin aviation heroes, including Billy Mitchell, Jim Lovell, Richard Bong, Charles Lindbergh, and Lance Sijan. The gallery also showcases the history of the airport, including its early days as Hamilton Airport, established by local businessman and aviator Thomas F. Hamilton in 1920. The airport was purchased by Milwaukee County in 1926 and renamed Milwaukee County Airport, with its first terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opening in July 1927.
The gallery covers significant events in the airport's history, such as the Northwest Airlines Flight 433 hijacking in 1971 and the Midwest Express Flight 105 crash in 1985. It also showcases the airport's growth and expansion over the years, including the construction of new terminals and the increase in flight operations. The airport entered the jet age in 1961 with the arrival of a Northwest Orient Airlines Boeing 720 four-engine jet and welcomed advanced technology aircraft like the Eastern Airlines "Spirit of Milwaukee" Boeing 757 in 1983.
The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as long as the airport terminal is open. Admission is free, and it offers a scavenger hunt for children to make their visit fun and engaging. The gallery is a great place for history buffs and aerophiles to explore, providing a wealth of information and a trip through the history of aviation in Milwaukee and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
5300 South Howell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207.
United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is regarded as the father of the US Air Force.
The airport was established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by Thomas F. Hamilton, a local aviator and businessman. It was purchased by Milwaukee County in 1926 and renamed Milwaukee County Airport. The airport was then renamed Billy Mitchell Field in March 1941 and later, General Mitchell International Airport in June 1986.
Yes, there have been several notable incidents at the airport, including hijackings, crashes during takeoff and emergency landings.
