A small plane traveling from Iowa crashed in a Minneapolis, Minnesota, suburb on Saturday, March 29, 2025, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a major fire in a residential area. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the single-engine SOCATA TBM7 went down around 12:20 p.m. local time in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, just as it was nearing the end of its flight from Des Moines International Airport to Anoka County-Blaine Airport.
Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway reported that investigators do not believe anyone on the plane survived the crash. The exact number of people aboard remains unknown. The plane crashed into a home located at 10792 Kyle Avenue, igniting a fire that engulfed the structure. Fortunately, all residents of the home escaped unharmed, although they lost a pet cat in the incident. Kenneth Tobacman, the owner of the destroyed house, recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “We got out alive. We lost a cat. We saved our dog.”
The crash ignited a significant fire, which firefighters managed to extinguish within an hour. The FAA confirmed that the plane had departed from Des Moines at approximately 11:12 a.m. and was scheduled to land between 12:11 p.m. and 12:28 p.m. on its 280-mile journey to Blaine. The plane is registered to DGW Enterprises of Edina, Minnesota.
As the situation unfolded, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his concern via social media, stating, "My team is in touch with local officials on the scene in Brooklyn Park, and we are monitoring the situation closely. Grateful to the first responders answering the call." His remarks highlighted the community's efforts to respond to the disaster.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation into the crash, with investigators expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The NTSB plans to document the crash site and examine the aircraft, which will then be recovered for further evaluation at a secure facility. In a statement, the NTSB said, "NTSB investigators are en route to the scene and are expected to arrive tomorrow. Once on site, the investigators will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft."
Witnesses described the moment of the crash, noting that the plane went down near the intersection of Kyle Avenue N., Noble Parkway, and W. River Road. The incident has left the local community in shock, with many residents expressing their relief that no one in the home was injured.
As investigations continue, officials are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash. The local community is rallying to support those affected by the incident, and the response from first responders has been commendable.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly in residential areas. The NTSB's investigation aims to uncover the factors that contributed to the crash and ensure that lessons are learned to prevent future incidents.
In the wake of the crash, local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. As the community comes to terms with the loss and damage caused by the crash, support networks are being established to assist those who have been affected.
The investigation by the NTSB and FAA will likely take time, but it is crucial for understanding what went wrong and how similar tragedies can be avoided in the future. As more details emerge, the focus will remain on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
In summary, the small plane crash in Brooklyn Park has raised serious concerns about aviation safety and the impact of such incidents on local communities. The ongoing investigation will shed light on the factors leading to this tragedy, and the community's resilience will be tested as they recover from this heartbreaking event.