A small plane crash landed on Upper Red Lake in Minnesota on Tuesday morning, plunging through thin ice and prompting a rescue operation by nearby fishermen. The incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m., as the plane, identified as a Cessna 172 Sky Hawk, departed from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, for a day of ice fishing on Upper Red Lake. Despite only one to two inches of ice reported in the area, the pilot believed it to be a safe landing spot after a flyover.
However, as the plane descended, the lack of snow caused it to have difficulty slowing down, resulting in it sliding into an area of thin ice. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape the aircraft before it broke through the ice. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reported that a nearby Boat and Water Deputy and the fishermen in the vicinity assisted with the rescue.
Authorities have made arrangements to remove the airplane from the lake. This incident comes shortly after 35 people had to be rescued on Sunday when ice broke away from the shore of Upper Red Lake.
The quick response and assistance from the nearby fishermen and law enforcement ensured the safety of the plane’s occupants. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in landing on frozen lakes and the importance of assessing ice thickness before attempting such landings.
