‘If I Accidentally Hit Him Crow Hunting, Too Bad’: Man Charged After Allegedly Shooting at Firefighting Aircraft Near Orr
A Minnesota man is facing felony charges after authorities say a firefighting aircraft battling a wildfire near Orr was struck by gunfire—an incident that could have turned deadly for pilots working low over active fire zones.
According to Northern News Now, WDIO, and KSTP, 48-year-old Daniel Christian Pettit of Portage Township has been charged with second-degree assault and intentional discharge of a firearm after investigators say a firefighting plane returned with what appeared to be a bullet hole in its rudder while responding to a wildfire in northern Minnesota.
The incident reportedly happened on May 15 near Kjostad Lake in Portage Township, outside the community of Orr.
Firefighting Aircraft Was Working an Active Wildfire
According to Northern News Now, the aircraft involved was actively assisting wildfire crews when the pilot reported hearing a loud popping sound around 7:35 p.m. while collecting water from the lake.
At first, the pilot reportedly believed the aircraft may have struck a bird.
But according to WDIO, once the plane returned for inspection, crews discovered damage to the aircraft’s rudder that investigators later determined appeared consistent with a projectile strike rather than debris or a bird impact.
Authorities say the aircraft had been flying repeated low-level water pickup runs as part of wildfire suppression operations.
Witnesses Reportedly Heard Gunshots
According to KSTP and Northern News Now, investigators interviewed multiple residents near the lake after the damage was discovered.
Several witnesses reportedly told authorities they heard gunfire between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., particularly during the same timeframe firefighting aircraft were operating overhead.
Investigators also reportedly learned of prior complaints involving low-flying aircraft in the area.
According to court documents cited by KSTP, authorities identified Pettit as a possible suspect after learning he had previously expressed frustration about aircraft flying near his property.
Suspect Claims He Was Crow Hunting
According to criminal complaint details reported by Northern News Now, WDIO, and KSTP, Pettit told investigators he had been crow hunting that evening and denied intentionally shooting at the aircraft.
However, investigators say Pettit admitted he believed the planes were flying too close to his home and violating Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Court documents cited by Northern News Now allege Pettit told authorities:
“If I accidentally hit him while crow hunting, too bad. He endangered my life.”
Investigators further allege Pettit admitted firing more than five shots that evening.
Authorities later executed a search warrant and reportedly recovered firearms and ammunition from the residence.
Why This Is Being Taken So Seriously
Shooting near—or at—aircraft is treated as an extremely serious offense for obvious reasons.
Firefighting aircraft often operate:
- At low altitude
- Around smoke and poor visibility
- Near trees, powerlines, and changing terrain
According to aviation safety officials, even relatively minor damage to an aircraft can quickly become catastrophic depending on where a projectile strikes.
A disabled firefighting aircraft could also significantly affect wildfire response during dangerous conditions.
Hunters Are Reacting Too
The story has also sparked discussion within hunting communities.
Most hunters understand one rule that never changes:
Know your target.
Whether crow hunting, predator hunting, or deer hunting, responsible firearm handling means positively identifying what you are shooting at—and understanding what lies beyond it.
For many outdoorsmen, an active firefighting aircraft flying repeated low passes over a lake would be difficult to mistake for anything else.
Court Proceedings Underway
According to Northern News Now, Pettit has already appeared in court. His bail was reportedly set at $75,000, and he remains held in the St. Louis County Jail as the case moves forward.
Additional hearings are expected in the coming weeks.
The Bottom Line
According to reporting from Northern News Now, WDIO, and KSTP, Minnesota authorities believe a firefighting aircraft battling a wildfire near Orr was struck by gunfire while pilots worked active suppression efforts over Kjostad Lake.
Investigators say the suspect later claimed he had been crow hunting and allegedly stated, “If I accidentally hit him, too bad.”
For many people—hunters included—the story feels like a reminder of something basic but critical:
When firearms are involved, identifying your target is not optional.
Especially when lives are flying overhead.