Full Breakdown
North Dakota Lawmaker and Pilot Killed in Minneapolis-Area Plane Crash
4/26/2026, 8:38:20 AM
Fatal Crash Near Minneapolis Claims Two Lives
On Saturday, April 25 2026, a Beech F33A aircraft departed Crystal Airport, located north of Minneapolis, and crashed shortly after take-off. The impact occurred in a park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, at approximately 11:51 a.m. Local authorities recovered the wreckage, which was on fire, and confirmed that both occupants—North Dakota state Representative Liz Conmy and the pilot—were killed.
Key Individuals and Organizations
- Liz Conmy – Republican-leaning member of the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party, representing Fargo; described by her party as a champion for public education, the environment, and government transparency.
- Pilot – Unnamed; identified only as the second occupant of the aircraft.
- North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party – State affiliate of the national Democratic Party; issued a social-media statement on Conmy’s death.
- Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe – Lead local law-enforcement official on scene.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Provided a statement confirming two people were aboard.
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – Initiated an investigation into the crash.
Chronology of the Incident
- 11:51 a.m. – Police receive a report of a small-plane crash.
- Shortly thereafter – Officers locate the aircraft in a Brooklyn Park park, observe fire, and secure the scene.
- Following the crash – FAA confirms two occupants; NTSB announces investigative response and plans to dispatch investigators.
Aircraft and Casualty Data
- Aircraft type: Beech F33A.
- Occupants: Two (both deceased).
- Fatalities: 2 (Representative Liz Conmy and the pilot).
- Location: Crash site in a public park within Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, after departure from Crystal Airport.
Official Statements & Responses
The North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing Conmy’s legislative focus on education, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Brooklyn Park Police noted the aircraft “crashed shortly after taking off” and did not disclose the number of occupants. The FAA’s brief statement affirmed that “two people were aboard.” The NTSB indicated it is investigating a crash involving a Beech F33A and expects investigators on site soon.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism was reported in the available sources.
On-the-Ground Reports
Inspector Rabe described the scene as a fire-engulfed wreckage in a park, confirming the rapid response of emergency crews. The crash’s proximity to a residential area prompted immediate containment measures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Occupant count: Police did not specify the number of people on board, while the FAA stated two were aboard.
- Pilot identity: The pilot’s name and qualifications were not disclosed.
- Cause of crash: No information on mechanical failure, weather, or pilot error was provided pending the NTSB investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state,” — North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party, social-media post
- “Rabe said the plane crashed shortly after taking off.” — Matt Rabe, Brooklyn Park Police Inspector
- “The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that two people were aboard.” — Federal Aviation Administration, statement
- “The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating a crash involving a Beech F33A airplane and expects investigators to arrive at the scene soon.” — National Transportation Safety Board, statement
What’s Next
The NTSB will conduct a full on-site investigation, collect flight data, and issue a preliminary report. Findings are expected to inform any subsequent safety recommendations and may be released in the coming weeks.
