New Info Released in Investigation of Rochester Plane Crash

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary investigative report regarding a plane crash in Rochester earlier this year. 

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Local first responders were dispatched to the crash in the area of Oak Summit Golf Course, which is on the northern edge of the Rochester International Airport on the night of March 9. 

A bystander who reported the crash to emergency personnel retrieved the pilot and brought them to an area where they could be treated by paramedics, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office said. 

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After the crash, a Tik-Tok video surfaced that shared communications between the pilot, Air Traffic Control and the airport’s emergency responders. 

The pilot can be heard telling the towner the Beech A23-19 aircraft “lost its engine” and the aircraft would “not make it back to the runway.” 

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report in Investigation of Rochester, MN Plane Crash

The NTSB report confirms the pilot reported engine failure. He stated the engine did not sputter and made two clicking sounds before losing power. 

The pilot declared an emergency then attempted to restart the engine before being forced to land. He began experiencing the apparent mechanical issue at 650 feet, the agency’s preliminary report says. 

The aircraft, which departed from Lakeville, MN, suffered substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage in the crash, according to the report. 

Federal investigators say the pilot suffered minor injuries and that he was the only occupant of the aircraft. The Pilot’s name has not been released. 

NTSB is planning a technical review of the investigation’s findings and analysis. Upon completion of the review, the findings will be made into a final report that will be released to the public at a later time.