Family, friends remember pilot killed in crash near Dubuque

DUBUQUE - An Eastern Iowa community is remembering a doctor and U.S. Senate candidate after he died in a plane crash.

Libertarian Doug Butzier was trying to land his plane Monday night at the Dubuque Regional Airport when it crashed about a mile north of the runway in a yard at 1858 Military Road.

Butzier was an emergency room physician at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, running against Democrat Bruce Braley and Republican Joni Ernst.

Among the wreckage, dozens of campaign signs lay scattered across the yard. Friends say that's indicative of a man with a desire to make a difference in politics.

'Doug touched many lives and will be truly missed by all who knew him,” said Tom Schreiber, a longtime co-worker and friend.

Schreiber says friendship was Doug's strong suit.

'He was a great guy,” said Schreiber. 'He was one of the best friends I have ever had. He was a wonderful man. '

Butzier was the president of the medical staff at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

Hospital President Rusty Knight said. Dr. Butzier was one of the pillars of the emergency department for the past 17 years. His influence was felt throughout the hospital, as he led one of our key quality-improvement teams with skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm.”

Airport directors say there were signs of trouble right before the crash.

Todd Dalsing, Dubuque Regional Airport Operations Supervisor said, 'From what we could tell, the aircraft shot an approach in the Dubuque Regional Airport. He was unable to get the field in sight. He went around and had some issues with the aircraft. '

Neighbors who heard the crash and witnessed its fiery aftermath say they now have one thing on their minds.

'Just prayers for the family. It sucks that this had to happen,” said Jeremy Becker.

Members of the Dubuque Soccer Club say Butzier was also in the middle of plans to build a massive indoor sports training center for kids. They say building that public practice center was his lifelong dream.