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   Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on October 8, 2024 at 2:08 p.m., the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received reports of an airplane that had crashed into the southern end of Inguadona Lake, in Trelipe Township, rural Remer, Minnesota. Responders and Deputies arrived in the area and learned that several witnesses to the incident were able to rescue and retrieve the pilot, a male age 56 from the state of Texas who was the only occupant, from the wreckage. 

   The initial investigation indicates that the airplane is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources contracted fire suppression aircraft that was completing a proficiency flight, which are completed routinely to meet minimum flight hours each month when it crashed into the lake. The operator was treated on scene for minor injuries with no further treatment required. Recovery efforts to retrieve the aircraft and components are ongoing. 

   Assisting at the scene was North Memorial Ambulance and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The incident remains under investigation with the assistance of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Federal Aviation Administration, and The National Transportation Safety Board.

Photo submitted.

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