Sheriff: At Least 1 Dead After Plane Crashes In River Near Ramsey

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities say at least one person is dead after a small plane crashed in the Mississippi River near Ramsey Friday evening.

It happened just before 6 p.m. Friday in the city of Ramsey near Highway 10 and Cutter Grove Avenue. Witnesses say a single engine Cessna was flying along the river before it hit some power lines and nose-dived into the water.

Investigators say a pontoon boat was near the crash when it happened, and the boaters on board pulled a woman's body from the water.

Witnesses say it didn't look like the plane had any obvious problems before the crash.

"He was probably 20 feet from us and 20 to 30 feet off the river, but below the tree line," witness Darla McGrath said. "It looked like a four-seater plane -- no floats on it. So it was just the regular wheels."

Investigators say the pilot may have been blinded by the sun, but it's not clear why it was flying so low. Law enforcement is scouring the river Friday night, looking for debris or any other potential victims.

Officials say the NTSB will be conducting its own investigation on the crash.

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