MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Plane Crash in Brooklyn Park Kills North Dakota Lawmaker and Pilot; Federal Investigation Underway

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (April 27, 2026) A small aircraft crash shortly after takeoff from Crystal Airport on Saturday, April 25, killed a North Dakota state lawmaker and the pilot, according to authorities.

Officials identified the victims as Liz Conmy, 67, of Fargo, and Joseph Cass, a retired physician formerly affiliated with Mayo Clinic.

Incident Details

The aircraft, identified as a Beech F33A, departed from Crystal Airport and crashed at approximately 11:51 a.m. in Southbrook Park, near 62nd Avenue North and Florida Avenue North in Brooklyn Park.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and found the aircraft engulfed in flames. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The Brooklyn Park Police Department confirmed that no injuries were reported on the ground.

Emergency Response

Fire and police crews secured the area and extinguished the fire following impact. Authorities established a perimeter around the crash site to allow for investigation and recovery operations.

Victims

Conmy served in the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 11 since 2022. She was affiliated with the Democratic-NPL and focused on education, environmental policy, and government transparency.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong issued a statement following the crash honoring Conmy’s public service and directed flags in the state to be flown at half-staff.

Cass, the pilot, was a retired orthopedic surgeon who previously worked in trauma surgery and medical education.

Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation.

Federal investigators assumed control of the crash site and removed the aircraft wreckage on Sunday for further examination. Authorities have not released a probable cause. Investigators are expected to review aircraft systems, maintenance records, and flight conditions as part of the inquiry.

Preliminary information indicates the aircraft went down shortly after departure. Officials have not confirmed contributing factors.

Context

Authorities said the crash occurred within a public park but did not result in injuries to bystanders or damage to nearby structures.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said determining a cause may take several months.

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