Minor Injuries Reported After Plane Collides with Parked Aircraft at Montana Airport, Sparking Large Fire

Kalispell, Montana – A small single-engine aircraft crashed into several parked planes at Kalispell City Airport on Monday, August 11, sparking a significant fire but resulting in only minor injuries to the four individuals aboard the crashing plane. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., led to a rapid emergency response as flames engulfed multiple aircraft and spread to a nearby grassy area. Authorities confirmed that all occupants of the incoming plane exited safely, and no one was on board the parked aircraft.

Preliminary investigations indicate the pilot of the Socata TBM 700 turboprop lost control while attempting to land, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with the stationary planes. The impact immediately ignited a large blaze, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky, visible from a considerable distance. Local fire departments quickly responded to contain and extinguish the extensive fire.

Witnesses described a dramatic scene, with Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, stating the impact "sounded like if you were to stick your head in a bass drum and somebody smacked it as hard as they could." The initial report, shared widely on social media, stated, "BREAKING: A plane has just crashed into another setting off a huge fire." This tweet captured the immediate, chaotic nature of the event.

Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio and Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed that two of the four people on board the Socata TBM 700 sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the precise cause of the crash. The aircraft, built in 2011, is registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington.

Aviation safety experts note that incidents involving planes striking parked aircraft in general aviation occur a few times annually. Despite the dramatic visual of the large fire and damaged planes, the rapid response of emergency services and the fact that all individuals involved escaped serious harm are being highlighted. The airport resumed limited operations after the scene was secured and the fire fully extinguished.