Kalispell, MT — A small plane carrying four people collided with a parked aircraft while landing at a northwest Montana airport on Monday afternoon, sparking fires along the runway but miraculously leaving all passengers alive.
All Passengers Escape With Minor Injuries
The Kalispell Fire Department said the crash happened at about 2 p.m. when the single-engine Socata TBM 700 turboprop came in for landing at the city-owned airport. The aircraft skidded “like a Frisbee” into a parked plane before bursting into flames, according to Fire Chief Jay Hagen.
“All four passengers were able to walk away from the crash once the plane came to a halt,” Hagen told local reporters, noting that two were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
A report from The Independent said the fire briefly spread to a grassy area near the runway before crews brought it under control.
Large Emergency Response
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including:
- Kalispell Police and Fire Departments
- Evergreen, Smith, and Whitefish fire departments
Sections of the runway were cordoned off following the crash, and officials confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the cause.
Aircraft Ownership and FAA Records
FAA records obtained by the Associated Press show the aircraft is registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti told the outlet that accidents involving a landing aircraft striking a parked plane are rare but “occur a few times a year in general aviation.”
“Such accidents are unusual but not unheard of in smaller airports where space and maneuvering room can be limited,” Guzzetti explained.
Location and Community Impact
Kalispell, home to about 30,000 residents, sits roughly 33 miles southwest of Glacier National Park. While no fatalities occurred, the dramatic runway fire and emergency response drew significant attention from the community.
Authorities have not yet released details on potential damage costs or whether the parked aircraft was occupied at the time. The FAA’s investigation is expected to review weather conditions, pilot decision-making, and any potential mechanical issues.
What’s your take on this crash and the fact all passengers survived? Share your thoughts in the comments.
