KALISPELL, Mont experienced a significant incident on Monday while trying to land at a Montana airport. The aircraft ultimately crashed into several parked aircraft, triggering a substantial fire. Despite the large blaze, authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were sustained during the event.
A startling incident unfolded around 2 p.m. local time at Kalispell City Airport when a small plane crash-landed, triggering a fire and colliding with a parked aircraft, with initial reports coming from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio.
The single-engine plane involved was carrying a total of four individuals at the time of the incident. All four people on board were reported to have exited the aircraft on their own following its halt.
A preliminary investigation into the crash has commenced. Kalispell police stated that this initial inquiry indicated the pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing attempt.
Following the loss of control, the plane crashed onto the runway. It then proceeded to strike multiple parked aircraft, leading to the ignition of fires on these planes.
The crash ignited a fire that quickly spread from the aircraft itself into a nearby grassy area, as confirmed by Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio, adding another layer of urgency to the unfolding emergency.
Fortunately, emergency crews were on the scene with impressive speed, working diligently to contain and extinguish the blaze before it could escalate into a more widespread disaster.
The Kalispell City Airport is characterized as a small, city-owned facility. It is located just to the south of Kalispell, a city that holds a population of approximately 30,000 people.
Kalispell itself is situated in the northwest region of Montana. The airport serves this community and the surrounding area.
Witnesses who observed the incident provided accounts of what transpired. Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen reported that witnesses saw a plane crash-landing at the very end of the runway.
Adding to the drama, the small plane, after its rough landing, veered directly into another aircraft that was parked on the tarmac, a critical collision in the chain of events leading to the subsequent fire.
Fire Chief Hagen further confirmed the status of the passengers following the crash. He stated that all occupants were able to get out of the plane independently after it came to a complete stop.
While the situation was intense, medical personnel were on hand to provide care, with Chief Hagen confirming that two individuals suffered only minor injuries and received treatment right there at the airport.
Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, was among those who witnessed the incident firsthand. He recounted hearing and seeing the crash unfold.
Danielson described a significant sonic impact preceding the visual spectacle. He stated that immediately after the crash, plumes of dark smoke began to fill the area, signifying the intensity of the ensuing fire.
Describing the alarming sound, witness Danielson painted a vivid picture, comparing it to the forceful impact of ‘sticking your head in a bass drum and somebody smacked it as hard as they could.’
The flight’s origin point has been identified by authorities. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane originated its journey in Pullman, Washington.
Identification of the specific aircraft involved has been made public. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane as a Socata TBM 700 turboprop.
Further details about the aircraft’s history and ownership are available through FAA records. These records indicate that the plane was manufactured in the year 2011.
Records indicate that the Socata TBM 700 turboprop involved in the incident is registered to Meter Sky LLC, a company based in Pullman, Washington, which appears to be the flight’s point of origin.
Attempts were made to contact representatives from Meter Sky LLC for comment regarding the incident. However, company representatives did not immediately respond to telephone messages seeking information.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti provided broader context regarding such incidents. Guzzetti, who previously served as an investigator for both the FAA and NTSB, offered insights into the frequency of similar occurrences.
Commenting on the frequency of such events, Guzzetti noted that while alarming, planes colliding with parked aircraft aren’t exceedingly rare in general aviation, occurring a few times each year.
He referenced a high-profile incident that took place in February as an example. In that particular event, a Learjet veered off a runway in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This unfortunate event brings to mind a similar, though more tragic, incident where a Learjet, once owned by Vince Neil of Motley Crue, crashed into a parked Gulfstream, resulting in a fatality.
Regarding the Scottsdale crash, the NTSB conducted an investigation. The agency indicated that the crash may have been connected to prior damage sustained by the landing gear.
Despite the significant damage and the dramatic nature of the event, the absence of serious injuries for the four individuals aboard the plane represents a key outcome of the incident.
Following the incident, Kalispell City Airport has managed to resume limited operations, although a comprehensive assessment of the damage to airport facilities and the involved aircraft is still in progress as investigations continue.
The focus of the ongoing investigations is to thoroughly examine all contributing factors,aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future and enhance aviation safety protocols.
