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| Paul Allen Photo, Google Images |
Here's the story from the StarTribune:
A vintage Russian jet was destroyed after crashing Thursday morning in Eden Prairie as it attempted to land for this weekend's annual air show.
The pilot, who hasn't been identified, was landing his 1975 MiG-21 at 10 a.m. at Flying Cloud Airport for this weekend's Wings of the North AirExpo. Officials said the jet's parachute, which helps slow the aircraft, was deployed, but appeared to collapse and detach, causing the plane to overshoot the runway.
The nose of the plane came to a rest in a roadside ditch on Flying Cloud Drive near the intersection of Pioneer Trail. No fire started, but the plane was heavily damaged.
"I don't think it will be usable ever [again]," police spokeswoman Katie Beal said after talking to a mechanic at the scene. "I think it will just be for parts from here on out."
The pilot was the only one on board the plane and suffered minor injuries, but was treated at the scene.
While an official cause of the crash won't be released by officials with the Federal Aviation Administration for weeks, Beal said the detached parachute is likely the reason for the crash.
The southbound lane of Flying Cloud Drive will remain closed through most of Thursday, she said, until crews can clear the wreckage.
The AirExpo activities will go on as scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
