BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. — Two people took an unseasonal dip in Upper Red Lake Tuesday morning after their plane landed on the lake and broke through the ice, according to officials.
The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office said a Cessna 172 Sky Hawk left Grand Rapids, Minnesota Tuesday morning and landed at Upper Red Lake just after 9:15 a.m. The pilot attempted to land near the lake, however, the plane didn't slow down fast enough and slid onto thin ice, according to a press release. The nose of the plane broke through the ice, and officials say both the pilot and the passenger were waist-deep in water.
Both men - identified as 72-year-old Lawrence Daigle of Cohasset (pilot) and 63-year-old Karl Uhlenhopp of Aplington, Iowa (passenger) - were taken to a nearby resort where they were provided shelter and warm clothing.
Officials say Daigle and Uhlenhopp were heading to the lake with the intention of ice fishing. Daigle conducted a flyover prior to landing, scoping out what he believed to be a safe landing zone. Authorities believe the lack of snow caused the plane to slide from an area of more solid ice into an area that was only one to two inches thick.
Arrangements have been made to remove the plane from the water.
On Sunday, about 35 people were rescued from a chunk of ice on Upper Red Lake that broke off from the shore. Officials are urging people to be cautious of the ice on lakes and rivers because of the unseasonably warm weather and recent rain. Experts recommend the ice be at least four inches thick before walking on it or standing but add that "ice can never be considered 100% safe."
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