A startling plane crash Montana event unfolded at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sending flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency crews rushed to the scene. According to local authorities and eyewitness reports, a small aircraft landed on the runway, struck a stationary plane, and ignited a fire that spread into the grassy areas beside the tarmac.
The single-engine plane, identified as a Socata TBM 700, was carrying four people at the time of the incident. The crash occurred around 2 p.m., local time, when the pilot was attempting to land on the airport’s southern runway. The landing did not go as planned: the aircraft skidded, veered off course, and plowed into a parked, unoccupied plane on the ground.
Within moments, the collision triggered a fiery explosion visible from surrounding neighborhoods. Several fire departments—including Kalispell, Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish—responded swiftly and contained the blaze before it could spread further. Thanks to their efforts and the quick response of airport staff, all four individuals aboard the crashed plane escaped the burning wreckage without life-threatening injuries. Two passengers were treated at the airport for minor injuries and released shortly afterward.
Details of the Plane Crash
- Location: Kalispell City Airport, just south of downtown Kalispell, Montana.
- Time: Approximately 2 p.m., August 11, 2025.
- Aircraft Involved: Socata TBM 700 (built in 2011) and an unoccupied stationary aircraft.
- People on board: Four, all survived; two received minor injuries.
- Fire Response: Multiple fire stations; blaze quickly extinguished.
- FAA Involvement: The Federal Aviation Administration will handle the ongoing investigation.
How The Crash Happened
Witnesses report that the landing aircraft approached the runway from the south, touched down near the runway’s end, and quickly veered into a waiting plane parked on a taxiway. The impact produced a fireball that engulfed both planes and part of the adjacent grass. Emergency crews responded within minutes, evacuating occupants and containing the fire before it could threaten other structures or aircraft.
Officials from Kalispell Police and Fire Departments confirmed there were no fatalities. The pilot and passengers managed to escape by themselves, and the two minor injuries were handled on-site without requiring hospital transfers.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
- Airport Status: Temporarily closed for emergency response and investigation.
- Damage: Significant to the crashed aircraft and the parked plane, along with partial fire damage to airport grounds.
- NTSB Statement: Aviation safety experts note that collisions with parked aircraft are rare but not unprecedented in general aviation; a formal investigation is underway to determine possible causes and prevent future incidents.
Community and Witness Reaction
Locals expressed relief that the outcome wasn’t more tragic, with some capturing dramatic images of the inferno and swift emergency response on social media and YouTube. The teamwork displayed by fire departments and airport staff drew praise, underlining the importance of preparedness for sudden aviation emergencies.
What’s Next?
Kalispell City Airport will remain under investigation as authorities review flight data, question witnesses, and inspect the crashed plane’s wreckage. The airport is expected to resume partial operations after safety checks and debris removal, while the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board analyze the root causes and offer recommendations.
As updates arrive, this developing plane crash Montana story remains under close watch. If you witnessed the event or have thoughts to share, join our discussion below—your perspective matters as the community recovers and learns from this unexpected crisis.