Tribe explains why it impounded a plane after an emergency landing in October on Red Lake Reservation
RED LAKE, Minn. (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.
They say Darrin Smedsmo was piloting the plane that made an emergency landing on Red Lake Reservation on October 15.
They also say they are glad Smedsmo is safe and was assisted by tribal law enforcement.
They spelled out why they impounded the plane saying it landed on reservation land without prior approval or required coordination with tribal authorities.
The landing created immediate safety, liability and resource-protection concerns for the tribe.
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.
They also 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.
