The sudden death of U.S. Bank executive Terrance “Terry” R. Dolan in a tragic plane crash on March 29, 2025, sent shockwaves through the financial and civic communities of Minneapolis. The single-engine turboprop aircraft, piloted by Dolan himself, plummeted into a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, marking a devastating end to the life of a prominent corporate leader and philanthropist. This article provides the most current and in-depth details surrounding the incident, the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and a complete look at the remarkable career of the man lost in the accident.
As of today, December 12, 2025, the aviation community is still dissecting the NTSB’s preliminary findings, which point toward a loss of control after the pilot stopped responding to air traffic control. The full scope of the tragedy, from the potential role of airframe icing to the final moments of the flight, continues to be a central focus of the final report, which is expected to offer definitive answers on the probable cause of the fatal accident.
Terrance "Terry" R. Dolan: A Life and Career Profile
Terry Dolan was more than a successful executive; he was a deeply involved leader in the Minneapolis community, known for his financial acumen and dedication to civic causes. His career at U.S. Bancorp spanned over two decades, culminating in one of the bank's highest administrative roles.
- Full Name: Terrance "Terry" R. Dolan (Terrance Robert Dolan)
- Age at Death: 63 years old
- Hometown/Residence: Edina, Minnesota (grew up in southwest Minnesota)
- Education: University of St. Thomas (Alumnus, Class of '83)
- Primary Employer: U.S. Bank (U.S. Bancorp)
- Key Roles at U.S. Bank:
- Vice Chair and Chief Administration Officer (CAO) (Appointed CAO in 2023)
- Previous Role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Tenure: Joined the company in 1998, serving for over 26 years.
- Civic and Philanthropic Involvement: Dedicated time to Minneapolis arts and civic causes, serving on the boards of organizations such as:
- Catholic Charities
- The Minnesota Opera
The Flight Path and Crash Site: Des Moines to Brooklyn Park
The fatal flight began at the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa. Terry Dolan, an experienced pilot, was flying his private, single-engine aircraft toward the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (ANE) in Minnesota.
The accident occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. The plane, identified as a TBM 700 turboprop, crashed into a home in the 6600 block of 73rd Avenue North in Brooklyn Park, a northern suburb of Minneapolis. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in blunt-force injuries that were confirmed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner as the cause of Dolan's death.
Despite the plane striking a residence, the home's occupants miraculously survived the crash, though the property sustained significant damage. This detail highlighted the sheer force of the impact and the fortunate outcome for the residents on the ground.
Key Findings from the NTSB Preliminary Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately launched an investigation into the accident, releasing a preliminary report that detailed the final minutes of the flight. The findings suggest a rapid loss of control and communication as the aircraft approached its destination.
1. Loss of Communication and Altitude Warning
Minutes before the crash, air traffic control (ATC) lost contact with the TBM 700. The pilot, Terry Dolan, stopped responding to radio calls. ATC had issued a low-altitude warning to the aircraft, indicating it was descending too quickly or was too low for the area, but received no acknowledgment. This abrupt silence suggests a sudden incapacitation or a critical failure in the cockpit.
2. The Icing Factor
A significant factor detailed in the NTSB preliminary report was the weather conditions at the time. Investigators noted a 50–60% chance of airframe icing in the area where the crash occurred. Icing can severely degrade the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft, leading to an abrupt and uncontrollable loss of lift, a phenomenon often described as "TBM 700 control lost abruptly" in similar accidents.
3. Aircraft Type and Performance
The TBM 700 is a high-performance, single-engine turboprop known for its speed and efficiency. While generally safe, this type of aircraft requires precise handling, particularly in adverse weather. The final NTSB report will delve into whether the aircraft's de-icing equipment was operational and utilized, and if the weather conditions exceeded the plane's safe operating limits for the flight.
The Corporate and Community Response to the Tragedy
The news of Terry Dolan's death left a profound void at U.S. Bank. CEO Andy Cecere confirmed the loss, stating that the company was aware of the reports regarding the plane registered to their Chief Administration Officer. Dolan was recognized as a driving force behind the bank's strategy, particularly its focus on "driving growth and digital" transformation.
Beyond the corporate world, the loss was felt deeply in the arts and social service sectors of Minneapolis. His work on the boards of organizations like Catholic Charities and The Minnesota Opera demonstrated his commitment to using his financial expertise to benefit broader civic causes.
The community's response was one of shock and remembrance, highlighting Dolan's legacy as a respected leader who not only achieved professional success but also dedicated significant time to improving the lives of others in the region. The full NTSB investigation, including the final report detailing the probable cause of the March 29, 2025, crash, is still pending, but the memory of Terry Dolan remains a testament to a life of impactful leadership.
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