UPDATE: First look at plane crash in Hettinger County

HETTINGER COUNTY, N.D. (KFYR) - We’re now getting our first look at that plane crash in Hettinger County from Saturday. A nearby resident stumbled upon the scene.

Ted Hardmeyer was driving towards Mott and noticed how unnaturally dark it was. He said he called a friend and found out there had been a plane that hit power lines. As he was driving, he found the scene of the emergency landing and was shocked by the good condition the plane was in, all things considered.

“Well, it’s so seldom that somebody walks away from a small plane accident, you know, and quite often they explode because of the fuel which is so explosive,” said Hardmeyer a nearby resident.

The pilot, John Wissman of Dickinson and his two children, 11 and 16 have been treated for minor injuries, and are lucky to be alive. Hardmeyer says it was clear the landing was done by a skilled pilot considering the limited damage and injury.

More details emerged Monday about the emergency plane landing that happened near Regent on Saturday. To avoid a powerline, the pilot attempted to fly underneath it.

Kyle Christenson, chief deputy for Hettinger County Sheriff’s Office, said that 52-year-old John Wissman of Dickinson was flying the recreational plane with two juveniles from Mott.

Christenson said the plane clipped a powerline and made an emergency landing. The three people were taken to an area hospital and suffered minor injuries. The plane had substantial damage.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident and no charges have been filed at this time.