Aviation Safety Urgency: Brooklyn Park Crash and Denver Evacuation Insights

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A tragic plane crash in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota claimed the life of U.S. Bank vice chair Terry Dolan when his small aircraft struck a residential home, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety across America.

Quick Takes

U.S. Bank vice chair Terry Dolan is believed to have died when his single-engine aircraft crashed into a home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
The plane was registered to Dolan’s business and he is thought to have been the only occupant aboard.
The resident of the home that was struck escaped without injuries, though the house caught fire.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.
The SOCATA TBM7 aircraft crashed shortly before its scheduled landing at Anoka County-Blaine Airport.

Banking Executive Among Victims in Fatal Crash

U.S. Bank has confirmed their vice chair and chief administration officer, Terry Dolan, is believed to have been aboard a small plane that crashed in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The single-engine aircraft, registered to one of Dolan’s businesses, went down striking a residential home and causing a fire. According to preliminary information from federal authorities, Dolan was likely the only person aboard the SOCATA TBM7 aircraft that departed from Des Moines International Airport and crashed shortly before its scheduled landing at Anoka County-Blaine Airport.

Federal aviation officials have begun a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is taking the lead in the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. While the cause remains unknown, investigators plan to release a preliminary report within 30 days. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office is working to formally identify all passengers aboard the plane, though preliminary FAA information suggests there may have been only one person on board.

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

— E! News (@enews) March 31, 2025

Community Impact and Reactions

U.S. Bank issued a statement regarding the tragedy, acknowledging Dolan’s presumed death while noting that official confirmation was still pending from the medical examiner’s office. Dolan, 63, had served as the chief administration officer of U.S. Bank since 2023, having previously held positions as chief financial officer and executive vice president. His leadership extended beyond banking, as he was also actively involved with Catholic Charities Twin Cities from 2012 to 2017, demonstrating his commitment to community service alongside his professional achievements. “We are aware that the plane that crashed in Brooklyn Park on Saturday afternoon was registered to Terry Dolan, our vice chair and chief administration officer. At this time, the medical examiner’s office has not been able to confirm whether he was on board, but we believe he was.” read spokesperson for U.S. Bank.

Former CEO of Catholic Charities, Tim Marx, expressed shock upon learning of the incident, remembering Dolan’s passion for flying and his significant contributions to the community. Marx noted that the news “just really hit me hard. It was a real sad shock.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also acknowledged the tragedy, expressing gratitude to first responders and stating that his office is monitoring the situation closely as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of the crash.

Fortunate Escape for Homeowner

While the crash resulted in tragic loss of life, there was one element of fortune amid the devastation. The sole resident of the home struck by the aircraft managed to escape without injuries, despite the significant damage and fire caused by the impact. U.S. Bank acknowledged this in their statement, expressing relief that the resident was unharmed while extending condolences to Dolan’s family and gratitude to emergency responders who quickly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with aviation, particularly for smaller aircraft. As investigators work to determine what caused this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting those affected while ensuring that any lessons learned can help prevent similar incidents in the future. The Brooklyn Park community has rallied together in the aftermath, showing the resilience and compassion that often emerges during difficult times.