Revisiting Some Of North Dakota’s Most Recent Plane Crashes

Tragedy often strikes when we least expect it. This is certainly true for these recent plane crashes in North Dakota.

You might be surprised at how many have occurred in just two years time.

1. October 2nd, 2022 - This is the most recent plane crash to have happened in North Dakota. There were three people on board the Cessna, the pilot, Tyler Fretland, and Alyssa Schmidt, and her brother Matthew Schmidt.

According to KVVR, the plane crashed into a house just outside of Duluth, North Dakota. The homeowners were in the home at the time. The plane narrowly missed their bedroom. While the owners of the home survived this tragic incident, all passengers on the plane were pronounced dead on the scene.

2. June 12th, 2022 - A 2007 Cessna didn't make it far out of the Minot Airport before it crashed. The plane was piloted by 24-year-old student pilot. The aircraft struggled to get off the ground and stay airborne. It consequently crashed. The pilot suffered minor injuries according to KFYR TV. 

3. March 11th, 2022 - Mechanical issues took down a plane in an open field near Minot, according to Valley News Live. The plane was said to have extensive damage, but thankfully, both the pilot and passenger on board were uninjured.

4. October 18th, 2021 - A University of North Dakota plane crashed late in the evening around approximately 8:30pm. The aircraft was piloted by an aviation student originally from Chicago, Illinois. The plane landed in a field in Buxton, North Dakota, according to WGN TV. The student was identified as a 19-year-old man, named John Hauser. Unfortunately, Hauser did not survive the crash.

Remembering

With North Dakota having an air force base and aviation program at one of our schools, crashes can and have occurred quite a few times. Next time you look up at the North Dakota skies, wish our young pilots good luck and safe travels.