Pilot dies after plane crash near Alexandria, second incident in 24 hours

LA GRAND TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KMSP) - A 64-year-old man has died after his plane crashed Saturday evening near Alexandria, Minnesota.

According to the Douglas County sheriff's office, several people called 911 around 7:23 p.m. reporting a plane that crashed at Townhall Road and 10th Avenue Southwest in LaGrand Township. Medical personnel arrived on scene and discovered that the pilot, who was flying alone, died in the crash.

Later Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office identified the man as 64-year-old Kenneth Ryan of Alexandria. 

Authorities say the plane appears to have struck an REA power pole before landing in the west ditch off of Townhall Road.

This is the second plane-related incident in the area in two days, after an 18-year-old pilot conducted an emergency landing Friday in Lake Winona. He was not injured.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. More information will be released at a later time.