Pilot suspected of drinking before crash

Star Tribune

Last update: June 22, 2009 - 9:25 PM

An ultralight airplane pilot is suspected of drinking before he crashed his aircraft into Gull Lake in central Minnesota, authorities said Monday.

The pilot, Jonathan Kurilla, 43, of Brainerd, was arrested "for alcohol-related violations" after his ultralight entered the lake, near Gull Point, Saturday evening with one passenger along for the ride, the Cass County Sheriff's Office said.

Estelle Paulson, 35, of Nisswa, Minn., was taken to a hospital for her injuries, the Sheriff's Office said. Kurilla was taken to jail.

The two were brought to shore by witnesses, the Sheriff's Office said.

There is no immediate word on why the plane crashed.

PAUL WALSH

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