A firefighting plane working wildfires in northern St. Louis County was struck by a bullet Friday night while scooping water from Kjostad Lake, authorities say. The single-engine Air Tractor made it back to the Hibbing airport, the pilot was not injured, and inspectors later found damage in the tail section that was consistent with a bullet hole. Investigators have opened a criminal case and released a case number for tips.
Sheriff Details Wildfire Close Call
In a Facebook post, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said deputies, fire crews and two contracted Air Tractor planes were called to a wildland fire in Portage Township around 4 p.m., and that one of the planes appeared to have been hit at about 7 p.m. while scooping water from Kjostad Lake, according to FOX 9 and the sheriff’s Facebook. Officials said the aircraft landed safely at Hibbing Airport and the pilot was not hurt. “We are going to work hard to find the individual or individuals responsible for this,” Ramsay wrote.
How Investigators Say It Happened
Investigators say the plane, a single-engine Air Tractor operating under contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was struck after scooping water at about 7 p.m., according to CBS Minnesota. Ground and air crews had been working the blaze for several hours before the plane returned to Hibbing, where crews discovered what they described as a bullet hole. Officials said the pilot continued to monitor hot spots after landing while law enforcement launched an investigation.
Northwoods Already On Edge
The shooting happened on what officials called an intense spring fire day, when eight separate blazes were burning across the county and Red Flag advisories were in effect, stretching volunteer departments. Local, state and federal resources were focused on protecting cabins and resort areas as winds pushed flames through brush and grass.
What Federal Law Says About Shooting At Planes
Shooting at an aircraft is illegal under federal law and can lead to criminal charges and FAA enforcement, the agency says on its website. Industry groups also urge pilots to report any gunfire aimed at an aircraft immediately to local law enforcement, the FBI and the FAA, and to follow an established response checklist to preserve evidence and protect crews, according to the FAA and the National Agricultural Aviation Association.
Investigation And How To Help
There were no immediate suspects, and investigators are working to determine what type of weapon was used, reported the Star Tribune. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to call 911 and reference case number 26066433. Officials said tipsters may remain anonymous.
