Kalispell, Montana — A single-engine aircraft crash-landed at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, colliding with multiple parked planes and igniting a large fire that temporarily shut down parts of the facility.
Authorities said the TBM 700 turboprop, built in 2011 and registered to Meter Sky of Pullman, Washington, was attempting to land around 2 p.m. when the pilot lost control on the runway.
The aircraft skidded into several stationary planes, triggering explosions and flames that quickly spread to a nearby grassy area.
Four Onboard, Minor Injuries Reported
Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio confirmed that all four people onboard survived the crash. Two passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated at the airport, while the pilot and another passenger escaped unharmed.
No one was inside the parked aircraft at the time of impact. Fire crews and airport emergency teams contained the blaze before it could spread to hangars or airport buildings.
Federal Investigation Underway
Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations into what caused the pilot to lose control during landing.
Investigators are expected to examine:
- Possible mechanical failures
- Human factors such as pilot error
- Environmental conditions like wind or runway surface issues
- The plane’s maintenance and flight records
The NTSB confirmed the flight originated in Pullman, Washington, and said its final report — including a probable cause — could take weeks or months to complete.
Airport Safety Concerns
The incident has renewed discussions about safety protocols at small, city-owned airports, where proximity between runways and parking areas can heighten the risk of ground collisions.
Local officials are now assessing damage to both airport infrastructure and private aircraft, with no announced timeline for when full operations will resume.
“This was a serious situation, but we’re grateful there were no fatalities,” Venezio said, adding that formal updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
