Missing Pilot & Aircraft in Cook County

UPDATE (10 p.m. 8/20/2023): Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen tells FOX 21 their search and rescue team will continue looking for the pilot and aircraft Monday morning.

“The aircraft was an ultralight,” says Sheriff Eliasen, “which means it was basically an engine with a seat and other controls, this type of flying machine utilizes a parachute to keep it airborne. There are no wings or other apparatus that would liken it to a traditional aircraft.”

Anyone with information on the pilot or aircraft is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 218-387-3030, or by email at pat.eliasen@co.cook.mn.us.

ORIGINAL POST:

COOK COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) – Law enforcement is searching for a pilot in Cook County who took off in a plane on Friday but has yet to return.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office said a pilot took off in an “ultralight plane” on Friday near 30 Flutereed Road and was last seen near Hammer Road in Hovland, Minnesota. After failing to return from his flight, he was reported missing.

Cook County Search and Rescue, Hovland fire crews, and a Minnesota State Patrol fixed wing aircraft responded to the search Friday night. The pilot or his plane has not been found as of Saturday morning.

Authorities are asking anyone who saw the aircraft to call the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 218-387-3030 with an approximate location and time of the sighting. The information will have the teams narrow down locations to search. The sheriff’s office can be reached via email at pat.eliasen@co.cook.mn.us