Small plane crashes in Mississippi River, 1 confirmed dead

RAMSEY, Minn. (KSMP) - Authorities have confirmed at least one person was killed when a small plane crashed into the Mississippi River Friday evening. 

Witnesses reported a single-engine Cessna-style plane flying low upriver struck a set of power lines that crossed the river between Ramsey, Minnesota and Dayton, according Lt. Brent Erickson with Anoka County. The plane lost control and did a nose dive into the water. 

Around 5:30 p.m., Hennepin and Anoka County deputies responded to 911 calls of a single-engine plane crash near the 6600 block of Riverdale River in Ramsey, Minnesota 

Witnesses who saw the plane go down boarded their pontoon boat and attempted to help the victims. They pulled a woman from the water, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. She has not been identified. 

Investigators say the small Cessna type plane was flying upstream in a west/northwest direction and was at a "very low altitude." Witnesses said the plane was at or below tree-top level when it struck a set of power lines that cross the river, and immediately fell into the water.

The plane had four seats, but are not sure how many people were on board. They have not yet determined where the plane took off from and where it was going. 

Authorities are continuing to search the river using sonar for plane and other debris. The recovery efforts are being hampered by the high water of the river and the strong current, according to the Anoka County sheriff's office. Divers will be in the water on Saturday morning to aid the search, Erickson said. 

The National Transportation and Safety Board has been contacted and will be conducting an investigation into the crash.