AITKIN COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — Three people were injured after a small airplane crashed near the McGregor Airport in Aitkin County, Minnesota, on Sunday afternoon.
According to Aitkin County Sheriff Dan Gida, the department received multiple 911 calls around 4:26 p.m. about an airplane crash near the McGregor Airport. First responders located the crash site about a half-mile southeast of the airport.
The plane, identified as a Piper PA-28-140, reportedly lost power shortly after takeoff. Authorities say the pilot was attempting to return to the airport when the aircraft went down in a swampy area just short of the runway.
Three adults were on board the aircraft. One passenger was airlifted from the scene for emergency medical treatment, while two others were transported by ground to Riverwood Hospital in Aitkin. Their current conditions have not been released.
The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by McGregor First Responders, McGregor Fire Department, North Ambulance, Cromwell-Wright Ambulance, and the Minnesota State Patrol. Investigators from federal aviation authorities are expected to review the crash circumstances as part of standard procedure.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Early information suggests mechanical failure may have played a role, but officials have not yet confirmed that detail.
This is a developing story, and additional information will be released as it becomes available from the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office and aviation investigators.
For more information on aviation safety, visit the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
