KALISPELL, Mont. – A single-engine plane experienced a significant incident on Monday while attempting to land at a Montana airport. The aircraft ultimately crashed into several parked aircraft, triggering a substantial fire. Despite the large blaze, authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were sustained during the event.
The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. local time at the Kalispell City Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio provided initial reports regarding the crash.
The single-engine plane involved was carrying a total of four individuals at the time of the incident. All four people on board were reported to have exited the aircraft on their own following its halt.
A preliminary investigation into the crash has commenced. Kalispell police stated that this initial inquiry indicated the pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing attempt.
Following the loss of control, the plane crashed onto the runway. It then proceeded to strike multiple parked aircraft, leading to the ignition of fires on these planes.
The fire, which originated from the impact, subsequently spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the aircraft. Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio confirmed that the blaze extended to a nearby grassy area.
Emergency crews responded rapidly to the scene to address the developing situation. The fire was brought under control and extinguished before it could spread further.
The Kalispell City Airport is characterized as a small, city-owned facility. It is located just to the south of Kalispell, a city that holds a population of approximately 30,000 people.
Kalispell itself is situated in the northwest region of Montana. The airport serves this community and the surrounding area.
Witnesses who observed the incident provided accounts of what transpired. Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen reported that witnesses saw a plane crash-landing at the very end of the runway.
After crash-landing, the aircraft then careened directly into another parked aircraft. This collision was a critical part of the sequence of events leading to the fire.
Fire Chief Hagen further confirmed the status of the passengers following the crash. He stated that all occupants were able to get out of the plane independently after it came to a complete stop.
Medical attention was provided at the scene for some individuals. Chief Hagen noted that two of the passengers sustained only slight injuries. They received treatment directly at the airport.
Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, was among those who witnessed the incident firsthand. He recounted hearing and seeing the crash unfold.
Danielson described a significant sonic impact preceding the visual spectacle. He stated that immediately after the crash, plumes of dark smoke began to fill the area, signifying the intensity of the ensuing fire.
Recalling the sound, Danielson offered a vivid comparison to convey its force. He remarked, “It sounded like if you were to stick your head in a bass drum and somebody smacked it as hard as they could.”
The flight’s origin point has been identified by authorities. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane originated its journey in Pullman, Washington.
Identification of the specific aircraft involved has been made public. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane as a Socata TBM 700 turboprop.
Further details about the aircraft’s history and ownership are available through FAA records. These records indicate that the plane was manufactured in the year 2011.
The ownership of the Socata TBM 700 turboprop is attributed to Meter Sky LLC. This company is also based in Pullman, Washington, aligning with the flight’s reported origin.
Attempts were made to contact representatives from Meter Sky LLC for comment regarding the incident. However, company representatives did not immediately respond to telephone messages seeking information.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti provided broader context regarding such incidents. Guzzetti, who previously served as an investigator for both the FAA and NTSB, offered insights into the frequency of similar occurrences.
Guzzetti commented that incidents involving planes crashing into parked aircraft are not entirely uncommon within general aviation. He noted that such events typically happen a few times annually.
He referenced a high-profile incident that took place in February as an example. In that particular event, a Learjet veered off a runway in Scottsdale, Arizona.
That Learjet, which was owned by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil, subsequently crashed into a parked Gulfstream aircraft. Tragically, this incident resulted in one fatality.
Regarding the Scottsdale crash, the NTSB conducted an investigation. The agency indicated that the crash may have been connected to prior damage sustained by the landing gear.
Despite the significant damage and the dramatic nature of the event, the absence of serious injuries for the four individuals aboard the plane represents a key outcome of the incident.
Limited operations at the Kalispell City Airport have since resumed following the crash. A full damage assessment of the airport facilities and affected aircraft remains underway as authorities work to understand the complete impact of the incident.
The focus of the ongoing investigations by federal and local authorities is to thoroughly examine all contributing factors. This detailed examination aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and enhance aviation safety protocols.
