Pilot killed in crash of ultralight aircraft
An ultralight plane crashed Monday evening, killing one man and injuring another. Pilot Jay Russell Davis, 49, of Bemidji, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, Paul Jerome Wannarka, 56, was airlifted to a Fargo, N.D. hospital. Brian Shaw, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s local chapter, said Wannarka has a broken leg but should make a full recovery.By: Forum Communications, The Jamestown Sun
BEMIDJI, Minn. – An ultralight plane crashed Monday evening, killing one man and injuring another.
Pilot Jay Russell Davis, 49, of Bemidji, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The passenger, Paul Jerome Wannarka, 56, was airlifted to a Fargo, N.D. hospital. Brian Shaw, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s local chapter, said Wannarka has a broken leg but should make a full recovery.
In the news release, Beltrami County Sheriff Phil Hodapp said witnesses reported the plane was banking through a turn – apparently preparing to land at the grass strip – when the wing struck the ground causing the plane to crash.
The aircraft is described as a “tricycle” style plane with seating for the pilot and one passenger position behind the pilot.
The crash occurred at a grass landing strip west of Bemidji. It was reported at 7:17 p.m.
Davis piloted at least three uneventful flights Monday,
Shaw said Davis had plenty of experience in the air.
“He was an awesome guy,” Shaw said.
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