ONAMIA, Minn. – Divers recovered the body of a pilot whose float plane crashed into Mille Lacs Lake. The victim: Ryan Comer of Blaine in the north St. Paul suburbs. He had 20 years piloting experience. He was alone. The plane went down about 2 p.m two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs and sank. A companion pilot, in a plane a quarter mile behind and above, witnessed the crash. The second pilot established the GPS location two miles off shore and radioed for belp. Once on-site, divers found the wreckage in a few minutes. The planes had taken off from James Airport north of St. Paul for a North Woods cabin 100-some miles away. e.
Mille Lacs Lake
Northeast of Brainerd. At 200 square miles, the second largest lake in Minnesota. As deep as 40 feet. The crash was 40-some miles short of the destination lake.
A5 profile An amphibious sport aircraft whose fiber-composite airframe is built in Grand North Dakota. Assembled at Tehachapi, California. Since 2012 there have been 165 built. Seats two. Aft-folding wings allow it to be towed on highways. Retractable landing gear. Weight: 1,100 pounds. Speed: 100 mph. Range:500 miles. Base rice: $247,000. With options can double. Engine: 100 horsepower with push propeller.