Pelican Rapids Pilot Hurt in Small Plane Crash
Pelican Rapids (trfnews.i234.me) — A 73-year-old Minneapolis pilot was hurt after a small plane crashed north of Pelican Rapids.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office received a possible crash report at 8:14 a.m. Monday.
Deputies found the aircraft in a farm field about three miles north of the city.
The plane was in Pelican Township and had no one inside when responders arrived.
Crash Happened Sunday Evening
Investigators later determined the crash happened Sunday, September 27, at about 5:20 p.m.
David Ness of Minneapolis was identified as the pilot and only person aboard the aircraft.
Authorities said Ness suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
He was later taken by private vehicle to Lake Region Hospital for medical care.
The crash was reported the next morning, several hours after the aircraft went down.
No other injuries were reported in the information released by authorities.
Investigators have not released details about what may have caused the crash.
They also have not announced information about possible damage to nearby property.
Emergency Crews Respond
Local emergency crews assisted after the aircraft was located Monday morning.
The Pelican Rapids Police Department responded with the Pelican Rapids Fire Department.
Pelican Rapids Ambulance also assisted at the scene.
The aircraft was found in a rural farming area north of Pelican Rapids.
Officials did not identify the type of small personal aircraft in the initial report.
They also did not say how long the aircraft remained in the field.
FAA Joins Investigation
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the crash.
The FAA oversees civil aviation safety and investigates aviation incidents with other agencies.
Authorities have not announced whether weather, equipment failure, or another factor played a role.
Ness was the only person operating or riding in the plane when it crashed.
No further information about Ness’s condition was included in the initial report.
The investigation remains active, and additional information could be released later.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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