Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — A plane crashed into a residential home in Brooklyn Park on Saturday afternoon, tragically resulting in the deaths of all passengers onboard. Fortunately, the residents of the home were unharmed as they were not present at the time of the incident.

The crash, involving a SOCATA TBM7 single-engine aircraft, occurred around 12:22 p.m. near the intersection of Noble Parkway and Kyle Avenue North. According to Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway, responders arrived to find a house engulfed in flames and visible debris scattered around the structure.

“We saw aircraft debris within the structure,” Conway said during a press conference shortly after the incident. The plane had taken off from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa earlier that day and was en route to Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft departed Des Moines at approximately 11:12 a.m. with a scheduled landing time between 12:11 p.m. and 12:28 p.m. It tragically crashed just six minutes before its anticipated arrival.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the crash, with one neighbor recalling feeling the ground shake upon impact. Another neighbor suggested that the homeowners might have been on vacation at the time of the incident, thus explaining their absence.

“We were in the house and it sounded like a car backfired,” reported Michelle Chmielewski, a nearby resident. “Then we heard the crash and went outside to see the explosion.”

No injuries were reported among individuals in the home, though a pet cat did not survive the fire. Officials are still determining the exact number of individuals who were on board the aircraft; however, preliminary reports suggest it may have been a single pilot.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a joint investigation into the crash, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. Investigators are expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday to begin documenting the findings and studying the aircraft. The plane will later be moved to a secure location for further analysis.

“We are aware of this incident and our thoughts are with those affected,” said Sarah Hoodjer, communications manager at Des Moines International Airport. “The NTSB will lead the investigation into the crash.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences on 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.”

The investigation occurs amid broader concerns over aviation safety, as the NTSB has reported 153 aviation accidents in the United States in 2025, including 23 fatalities. This trend raises questions about maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry.

As the community grapples with the ramifications of this tragic accident, local officials are working to provide support for those affected. Updates will be shared through official channels as new information emerges.