Posted on 10/31/2025 1:45:41 PM PDT by DFG
A Native American tribe seized a Minnesota pilot's plane after he made an emergency landing on their land, citing a decades–old law the tribe claimed gave them control of the aircraft.
Darrin Smedsmo was flying over the Red Lake Indian Reservation when his single–engine Stinson airplane suddenly stopped working mid–air.
With less than three minutes until disaster, the experienced pilot was forced to land on a paved state road below.
Moments later, Smedsmo's plane was confiscated by tribal police, who claimed he did not have the authority to fly it over their reservation.
If he wants his plane back, he will have to suffer through a tribal trial – starting November 3.
'The land is theirs, but they are claiming the air is theirs,' Smedsmo told AIN. 'They don't control the air. That is basically untenable.'
The Roseau, Minnesota, native was traveling from his home city to Bemidji as his Stinson aircraft malfunctioned.
'Well, today was the day,' Smedsmo recalled on Facebook. '3500 [feet] and the engine made a little noise, [and] pretty soon no noise [at] all.'
'I don't know what happened, but the engine seized. I safely landed on the highway. Thankful,' he added.
A state worker who was also Smedsmo's neighbor came to his aid.
He helped remove the fallen plane from the road and called the tribal police for further help.
'Bad news,' a Red Lake officer said, apparently having spoken to tribal chief Darrell G. Seki, Sr. 'We're going to do what the chairman said.'
Smedsmo was told his plane had violated the tribe's 1978 law banning 'any airplane' from flying over Red Lake lands at less than 20,000 feet.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
His single–engine Stinson aircraft remains at the reservation for now
Did they scalp him?
He should have brought some beads and wampum.
Screw these people. If that is how they want to play the game, fly over with B-52’s and carpet bomb the place.
Normally, I would respect tribal laws. But screw them on this.
Or maybe fire water.
Was the area outlined in a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about the restricted flight area on published flight charts?
If he wasn’t under 20,000 feet until the engine seized up then he’s not in violation of the law!
The last time I worked on the Red Lake Rez was about 25 years ago. It was a crime ridden dump then. I’m sure it is far worse now.
But first do supersonic flybys at 200 feet with about 20 B-1 bombers.
Would this antique airplane be treated—under Indian law—the same as an antique firearm?
That works both ways.
IT appears that the tribal agreement forbids Air Force craft from flying over the reservation. Also, is that law reflected on FAA flight maps as a no-fly zone. If not, methinks they are on thin legal grounds. Finally, I think it’s just bad ju-ju to take this kind of unfriendly stand and make the Karma gods PO’ed at the tribe.
“If he wasn’t under 20,000 feet until the engine seized up then he’s not in violation of the law!”
LOL! That plane cannot reach 20,000 feet.
"You say you are from where?"
So many of these native Indian “tribes” have become so co-mingled with White man’s blood that their are now very few pure bloods left anymore. You see them and they are pasty white, with whiter skin than Snow White, and often times have last names like Smith or Jones.
Planes probably fly over constantly, nothing they can do about it. So, when they get their hands on one, yeah they are make a big deal out of it.
Time for another Trail of Tears?
The premise of their ordinance (if that’s what it is) was contingent on undefined “high speed” low altitude flights.
This pilot certainty wasn’t engaging in the kind of disruptive ‘high speed’ endeavor where they might have had a concern.
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