SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH INCIDENT AT SLAYTON AIRPORT PRESS RELEASE - SLAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

On August 15, 2021 at approximately 8:38 a.m., Murray County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call reporting that an airplane had lost its front landing gear upon takeoff from the City of Slayton Municipal Airport. The plane was a 2007 Esqual VM-1 piloted by Ryan Schuur of Chandler, MN and had no other passengers. Schuur had reported to another local pilot that he had broken the front landing gear and was going to be making an emergency landing.

Emergency services were dispatched for precautionary measures during the landing. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Slayton Police Department, Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Slayton Fire Department, Iona Fire Department and First Responders, Murray County Ambulance and Sanford Air Care.

Schuur was able to make contact with additional experienced pilots, who recommending burning off most of his onboard fuel prior to making the emergency landing. At approximately 11:06 a.m., Schuur made an uneventful, skilled landing on only his rear landing gear, resulting in no additional damage to the plane, very minimal damage to the runway, and most importantly, no injury.

I was able to speak to Schuur this morning, who wished to thank all of the people and agencies who responded on a Sunday morning to ensure his safety.

Very Respectfully,

JEREMY STEINLE #203

CHIEF OF POLICE

SLAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT