RED LAKE, Minn. (KFGO/KVRR) — Red Lake Tribal Council says an investigation continues into the emergency landing of a plane on the reservation that was then impounded by the tribe.
The tribe says it impounded the airplane because it landed on reservation land without prior approval or required coordination with tribal authorities. Tribal leaders added that the landing created immediate safety, liability, and resource-protection concerns for the tribe.
Darrin Smedsmo was piloting the plane that made an emergency landing on Red Lake Reservation on Oct. 15.
Red Lake Nation has sovereign authority over its lands, natural resources, and the safety of its people.
Leaders say court proceedings will begin once the investigation into the landing is complete and that Smedsmo will have due process under tribal law.
Tribal leaders say they welcome talks with FAA and government peers to clarify tribal protocols for emergency landings, and tribal laws and resolutions governing overflight so future incidents can be handled with greater transparency, cooperation and mutual respect.
Comments