Small Plane Crash in Montana Sparks Massive Fire — All Aboard Escape Serious Injury

A dramatic plane crash at Kalispell City Airport in Montana on Monday afternoon ended with an incredible stroke of luck — all four people on board walked away with only minor injuries.

Crash on Landing

Authorities say the single-engine Socata TBM 700 turboprop, carrying a pilot and three passengers, was attempting to land around 2 p.m. when the pilot lost control. The aircraft struck the runway hard, veered off course, and collided with several parked planes. The impact ignited a massive fire that quickly consumed both the crashed aircraft and the stationary planes it struck.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane hit the ground, bounce, and then careen into the parked aircraft. Cellphone footage shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky, flames engulfing the taxiway, and firefighters battling the blaze.

Swift Emergency Response

Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen said all four occupants escaped on their own before the flames took over. Two suffered minor injuries and were treated at the airport before being released. No one was aboard the parked planes at the time.

Fire crews from Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish joined Kalispell firefighters in dousing the flames, which had also spread to nearby grass. Using foam, they brought the fire under control within minutes, preventing further damage. By 4:30 p.m., the scene was cleared.

The flight originated in Pullman, Washington, and the FAA confirmed the 2011-built aircraft was owned by Meter Sky LLC. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.