Title:
Engine Failure Over Dangerous Territory
Topic:
A Succesful Forced Landing Gone Wrong
Speaker(s):
Darrin Smedsmo
Brief Description:
Darrin experienced catastrophic engine failure over the Red Lake Indian Reservation, then successfully executing an emergency landing on a state of MN highway. His aircraft was confiscated by the Red Lake tribal police and he received a citation for violating “tribal airspace”. Darrin experience highlights items that all pilots should consider to operated confidently and safely in the national airspace system.
Select Number:
GL15144503
Location of Seminar:
Buffalo Municipal Airport
1305 County Road 134
Hangar B
Buffalo, MN 55313
Directions to Venue:
Seminar in Hangar B
Airport is located southeast of the City of Buffalo off of Highway 55. Turn north on County Road 134 (at the Kwik Trip) and the airport will be on your right just past Menards. It is easy to find using GPS/map apps.
Signs will be provided to guide you to parking.
Self serve fuel available with credit card.
View Map
Fly-in Seminar?:
Yes KCFE
Seating:
150
seats at the facility,
75
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
MN FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
A special thank you to the members of EAA Chapter 878, Chris Fredrick, Manager, Buffalo Airport, and the City of Buffalo for their support and help in planning the 2026 Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering.
Minnesota Pilots Association (MNPA) charges non-members a fee to attend GMAG event but each of the individual seminars are free of charge.
Please visit https://mnpilots.org/gmag for information on fees. MNPA members attend GMAG for free.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
½ Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 2
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-Person Safety Promotion to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents: