• Small plane lost control while landing at Kalispell City Airport, crashing into parked aircraft and causing a large fire.
• All four passengers escaped with only minor injuries; emergency teams quickly contained the blaze.
• Investigation ongoing; experts note such accidents occur occasionally in general aviation and stress need for improved safety measures.

In a startling incident on Monday afternoon, a small plane attempting to land at Kalispell City Airport in northwest Montana lost control and smashed into multiple parked aircraft, igniting a fierce blaze. Thankfully, despite the shocking scene of fire and destruction, no serious injuries were reported, leaving onlookers relieved but shaken.

The accident occurred around 2 p.m. when the single-engine turboprop, carrying four people, approached the runway at the modest city-owned airport, located just south of Kalispell—a quiet community of roughly 30,000 residents. According to local authorities, including Police Chief Jordan Venezio and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot appeared to lose command during the landing, causing the aircraft to veer off course.

Chaos on the Runway: How the Crash Unfolded

Initial investigations suggest that the plane touched down but then careened uncontrollably, smashing into several aircraft parked near the runway’s edge. The collision sparked fires that rapidly spread across multiple planes and nearby grassy areas, creating a daunting blaze that quickly drew emergency responders. Fire Chief Jay Hagen described the chaotic scene, explaining that the small plane had crash-landed near the runway’s end before slamming into other stationary aircraft.

Eyewitnesses painted a vivid picture of the moment disaster struck. Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, was among those who witnessed the event firsthand. He recalled hearing a terrifying, booming noise—“like sticking your head inside a bass drum and someone hitting it as hard as they could.” Moments later, thick plumes of dark smoke billowed into the Montana sky, signaling the fire’s rapid spread.

Despite the frightening circumstances, the four passengers aboard the ill-fated flight managed to evacuate the plane on their own. Two individuals sustained minor injuries but were promptly treated at the airport and released, according to Chief Hagen. Emergency crews quickly doused the flames, preventing the fire from spreading further and averting what could have been a far worse catastrophe.

Background on the Flight and Aircraft

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the flight had originated in Pullman, Washington. FAA records identified the plane as a 2011 Socata TBM 700 turboprop, owned by Meter Sky LLC, a company based in Pullman. Attempts to reach the company for comment went unanswered as of press time.

Experts specializing in aviation safety note that while crashes involving planes hitting parked aircraft are relatively rare, they do happen from time to time, especially in general aviation, which typically involves smaller, privately operated planes.

Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator for the FAA and NTSB, explained that a few such incidents occur every year nationwide. He stressed that these crashes often stem from a variety of factors, ranging from pilot error and mechanical failures to weather conditions or runway issues.

A Worrying Pattern: When Planes Collide on the Ground

This Montana crash echoes another high-profile incident earlier this year in February. In that tragic episode, a Learjet owned by Vince Neil, lead singer of the rock band Motley Crue, ran off a runway at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona and collided with a parked Gulfstream jet. That accident resulted in one fatality and remains under investigation, though the NTSB suggested the Learjet may have had pre-existing landing gear damage that contributed to the mishap.

Such events highlight an ongoing challenge within aviation safety—maintaining control during landing and takeoff, moments when aircraft are most vulnerable. While commercial airports boast extensive safety protocols and large runways, smaller airports like Kalispell City Airport often operate with more limited resources and tighter spaces, increasing the risk of accidents during these critical phases of flight.

Community Reaction: Relief Mixed with Concern

The incident sent ripples of concern through the Kalispell community, where residents closely follow developments at the local airport, a vital link for travel and commerce in this relatively remote area. Many expressed relief that the crash did not result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially considering the dramatic images of burning planes and thick smoke.

However, questions linger about how such an accident could happen and what measures might be taken to prevent future occurrences. Airport officials and investigators face pressure to analyze the causes thoroughly and consider upgrades or changes to airport operations to boost safety.

Local businesses near the airport, including the inn managed by Ron Danielson, have reported a brief disruption but expect normal activity to resume soon. Still, the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers in aviation, even at small, seemingly low-risk airports.