A single-engine turboprop plane tragically crashed into a suburban home in Minneapolis on Saturday, resulting in the death of the pilot and igniting a devastating fire that consumed the house. The aircraft involved in this unfortunate incident was a Socata TBM 700, registered to U.S. Bank executive Terry Dolan, who is believed to have been piloting the plane. However, authorities have yet to officially confirm his death.
The Socata TBM 700 took off from Des Moines International Airport, en route to Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis. The plane went down just six minutes before its scheduled landing time, crashing around 12:22 p.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that the plane was on a northern flight path covering approximately 280 miles.
According to reports, the plane had previously flown from Naples, Florida, and made a stop in Des Moines around 10:30 a.m. before departing again at 11:12 a.m. The flight was expected to arrive in Blaine between 12:11 p.m. and 12:28 p.m., but it tragically crashed just before this timeframe.
Federal authorities arrived in Minnesota on Sunday to initiate an investigation into the crash. Tim Sorensen, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that they would begin documenting the crash site and recovering the aircraft later that day. A more thorough examination of the plane will take place at a secure location.
Sorensen mentioned that the investigation will consider multiple factors, including weather conditions, the pilot's background experience, and the aircraft's maintenance history. "We don't have a lot of answers right now," he noted, while also revealing that the fire had caused significant damage to the plane. A preliminary report from the investigation is expected to be released within 10 to 14 days.
Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway confirmed that there were no survivors aboard the plane, which had one occupant—the pilot. While the medical examiner's office has not yet verified the pilot's identity, U.S. Bank spokesperson Jeffrey Shelman indicated that Terry Dolan was believed to be on board, expressing condolences to his family and friends during this tragic time.
In the home where the crash occurred, there was one resident present who narrowly escaped without injury when the plane struck the roof, leading to a fire that engulfed the entire house. Fortunately, this individual was able to exit the premises safely.
The Socata TBM 700 is registered to DGW Enterprises, based in Edina, Minnesota. The connection to U.S. Bank executive Terry Dolan highlights the personal impact of this tragic event, as the community grapples with the loss.
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
