Aviation Incidents in Minnesota: What’s Next for Safety Regulations?

Newspaper headline about a plane crash story

A high-ranking U.S. Bank executive is feared dead after a single-engine aircraft crashed into a residential home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, triggering an extensive investigation by federal aviation authorities.

Key Takeaways

U.S. Bank Vice Chair Terry Dolan is believed to have been the only person aboard a small plane that crashed into a Minnesota home, with no survivors reported.
The SOCATA TBM7 aircraft, registered to Dolan’s business, crashed in Brooklyn Park neighborhood shortly before its scheduled landing.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation, with preliminary findings expected within 30 days.
The home’s sole resident escaped without injury, though the crash caused a significant fire at the residence.
Dolan, 63, was a senior executive who had risen to become chief administration officer of U.S. Bank in 2023 and was known for his passion for flying.

Fatal Crash Details Emerge

The small aircraft crashed into a residential home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota killing all occupants aboard. Federal investigators have indicated that the SOCATA TBM7 had departed from Des Moines International Airport and was approaching its scheduled landing at Anoka County-Blaine Airport when the accident occurred. The aircraft was registered to Terry Dolan, the 63-year-old vice chair and chief administration officer of U.S. Bank, who is believed to have been the only person onboard at the time of the crash.

While the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office is still working to officially identify the victim, preliminary FAA information suggests there was only one occupant in the aircraft. The impact caused significant damage and triggered a fire at the residence, though remarkably, the home’s sole occupant managed to escape without injury, preventing additional casualties on the ground.

U.S. Bank executive Terry Dolan feared dead after Minnesota plane crash. pic.twitter.com/p4r4njT66r

— E! News (@enews) March 31, 2025

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken the lead in investigating the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. According to officials, investigators are meticulously examining the wreckage and gathering evidence to determine what caused the fatal accident. The NTSB plans to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though a complete investigation typically takes 12-24 months. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed gratitude to first responders and confirmed that his office is closely monitoring the developing situation.

Local weather conditions at the time of the crash have not been identified as a contributing factor, though investigators will examine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other circumstances played a role in the tragedy. The NTSB has established a secure perimeter around the crash site while they document evidence and recover crucial flight components for further analysis.

Remembering Terry Dolan

As news of the crash spread, tributes began pouring in for Terry Dolan, who had built a distinguished career at U.S. Bank. After serving as chief financial officer and executive vice president, Dolan was promoted to chief administration officer in 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, he was remembered for his community involvement, having served on the board of Catholic Charities Twin Cities from 2012 to 2017. Colleagues described him as a dedicated executive who maintained a passion for flying throughout his career.

Tim Marx, former CEO of Catholic Charities where Dolan served as a board member, expressed profound shock upon learning about the accident. “The news just really hit me hard. It was a real sad shock,” Marx stated, reflecting the sentiment of many who knew Dolan professionally and personally. U.S. Bank has established grief counseling services for employees affected by the sudden loss of their senior executive.