A small plane with four people on board crashed during landing at Kalispell City Airport, Montana, at around 2 p.m. on Monday, 11 August 2025, colliding with several parked aircraft and sparking fires.
Miraculously, all occupants, three passengers and the pilot, escaped serious injury, with two sustaining only minor wounds that were treated at the scene. Emergency teams from Kalispell and nearby departments quickly contained the resulting fires, preventing further damage or casualties.
The incident is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB, with preliminary information suggesting a possible mechanical failure; normal airport operations have since resumed.
A Chaotic Scene and Swift Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses described a dramatic chain of events as the Socata TBM 700 turboprop approached from the south, apparently losing control and crash-landing at the runway’s end before careening into multiple stationary planes. Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed the rapid development of a “massive fireball,” with thick smoke visible across the area.
Police Chief Jordan Venezio stated that “the pilot and three passengers walked away unharmed,” though two were treated for minor injuries. Cell phone videos captured the burning wreckage and rapid response, highlighting the efforts of Kalispell Police, fire crews, and mutual aid from nearby Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish fire departments.
Their coordinated action ensured the flames were doused before the fire could spread further, saving airport infrastructure and averting what could have been a major tragedy. Officials later confirmed that fuel leakage from the damaged planes contributed to the intensity of the blaze, making containment even more challenging.
Questions Over Cause and Aftermath
According to early findings, a malfunction involving the landing gear or aircraft systems may have contributed to the crash, though officials are awaiting the results of a full investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The aircraft, a 2011 model registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington, had departed from that region earlier in the day. Such crashes, where landing planes collide with parked aircraft, are rare but not unheard of, as noted by aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti; they occur a few times annually in general aviation.
Both aircraft involved were destroyed, and fires spread briefly to a grassy area and surrounding taxiway before being swiftly contained. No bystanders or airport staff were harmed, and airport operations were restored later that day after temporary suspension for emergency response and clearance of the site.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and preparedness required in safeguarding public spaces, especially airports. The seamless response of Kalispell’s emergency services, backed by training, mutual-aid partnerships, and coordinated communication, illustrates how lives can be saved even amid chaos.
As the investigation proceeds, The Logical Indian strongly advocates for transparent learning, ongoing vigilance, and implementation of best safety practices throughout the aviation sector. These events call upon all stakeholders, authorities, aviation professionals, and the wider community, to strive for safety, empathy, and cooperation.
🚨 BREAKING: A plane has just crashed into another plane at Kalispell Airport in Montana, creating a massive fireball, per KOAX
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 11, 2025
No word on casuaIties yet, but a MAJOR rescue operation is underway.
Pray for the occupants of each plane 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Ej4Eq1Du8y
