3 killed when plane hits house in Hermantown
HERMANTOWN, Minn. -- Three people onboard a small airplane were killed when the aircraft crashed into a home in northern Minnesota late Saturday night.
Just before 12 a.m. Sunday, a Cessna 172 airplane crashed into a home in Hermantown, near Duluth.
The plane hit the second floor of the home and landed in the backyard. All three people onboard were killed.
Police have identified the victims as Alyssa Schmidt, 32, of St. Paul, her brother, Matthew Schmidt, 31, of Burnsville, and the pilot Tyler Fretland, 32, of Burnsville.
Alyssa Schmidt was a teacher at Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology in Burnsville. A District 196 spokesperson said she was with the district since 2014, and had taught kindergarten and second and third grades.
"We are deeply saddened over the tragic loss of three lives, including an incredibly talented young teacher who positively impacted students every day," the district said.
This is the route of the Cessna 172 that crashed into a Hermantown home Saturday night, per @flightradar24.
— Guy Still (@mplstvguy) October 3, 2022
It lasted only a few minutes, with the plane climbing to approx. 2200 ft. before rapidly losing altitude.
All three people in the plane died. @NTSB is investigating. pic.twitter.com/F5USrF899X
The two people in the home were not hurt.
Police said there are significant power outages associated with the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.