Small Plane Crashes on County Road 81 in Brooklyn Park, Strikes Vehicle

Investigators in Brooklyn Park are trying to determine why a 23-year-old pilot crash-landed a small plane on a busy road in the city Tuesday, striking a vehicle.

The Piper single-engine aircraft landed on southbound County Road 81 near West Broadway at about 10:30 a.m. A spokesperson with the FAA and fire officials tell CCX News that the preliminary investigation indicates engine trouble led to an emergency landing.

“What I do know is the pilot was working through an approach to the airport, was experiencing some mechanical failures with the aircraft, was in contact with the tower and declared an in-flight emergency on approach to Crystal airport to the southeast,” said Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway.

The crash resulted in injuries to the 32-year-old driver of the car. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, though officials say the man’s injuries are not considered severe.

Plane crash resulted in the closure of southbound County Road 81 for several hours Tuesday.

A spokesperson with the FAA said the pilot, a 23-year-old man, was the only person on board the plane. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

First responders credit the pilot for being able to land the aircraft a couple miles from the Crystal Airport without causing any significant injuries or damage.

“The fact that he impacted one vehicle, and was able to put the aircraft down, which you see, is probably a testament to his skill as a pilot,” said Conway.

Southbound County Road 81 was completely shut down Tuesday morning while investigators processed the scene.

According to the FAA registry, the plane is owned by Thunderbird Aircraft Co. out of Bloomington.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash.

Brooklyn Park