Hazen Plane Crash Kills Minot Pilot

Hazen Plane Crash Kills Minot Pilot

HAZEN, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — A 67-year-old Minot pilot died Sunday after a plane crashed near Hazen.

The crash happened at about 1:45 p.m. on June 28, 2026.

The pilot was flying a 1960 Piper airplane.

The initial release did not identify the pilot by name.

Plane Turned Back Toward Runway

Witnesses saw the airplane take off from Mercer County Regional Airport.

A short time later, the aircraft appeared to return toward the runway.

Its landing gear had been lowered again during the attempted return.

The airplane then lost altitude and struck the ground near the airport.

The pilot suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

Officials reported that the pilot was wearing a seat belt.

Emergency Agencies Respond

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash scene.

Hazen Fire Department crews also assisted at the airport.

Hazen Ambulance personnel joined the emergency response.

The North Dakota State Patrol also responded and issued the news release.

Weather conditions were listed as normal when the crash occurred.

No other occupants were identified in the release.

Federal Investigation Underway

The North Dakota State Patrol and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.

The agencies have not announced what caused the airplane to lose altitude.

The release did not provide details about damage beyond the fatal crash.

It also did not state whether airport operations were affected.

More airport information is available from the Mercer County Regional Airport.

Readers can review federal aviation safety information through the Federal Aviation Administration.

North Dakota crash report information is available through the North Dakota State Patrol.

Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.