On Monday afternoon, an incident occurred at Kalispell City Airport in Montana when a small plane crashed during its landing approach. Fortunately, the pilot and three passengers were able to escape with only minor injuries. The Kalispell Fire Department Chief, Jay Hagen, reported that emergency crews were promptly dispatched right after 2 p.m. following reports of the crash. The incident involved the plane crashing into another stationary small aircraft on the ground, which led to both planes igniting in flames.
Following their initial assessment, emergency crews discovered that all individuals aboard the crashing aircraft managed to exit safely. Fortunately, no personnel were in the aircraft that was struck, minimizing the potential for injuries. All four individuals—the pilot and three passengers—received on-scene medical treatment and were released shortly thereafter, showcasing a remarkable outcome given the circumstances.
Witnesses captured footage of the scene, revealing thick black smoke and flames consuming the taxiway. In one video clip, a bystander noted that the plane “hit the ground and bounced up,” highlighting the chaotic nature of the crash. As the situation unfolded, subsequent recordings demonstrated firefighters combating the flames and managing to extinguish the fire, although the pavement remained blackened by soot.
The quick response of multiple fire departments, including crews from Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish, played a crucial role in limiting damage from the resulting blaze. Chief Hagen emphasized that the mutual aid provided by these neighboring departments allowed the firefighters to effectively smother the flames using foam within a short timeframe, thereby preventing a more extensive disaster.
By approximately 4:30 p.m., all responding crew members had vacated the scene, allowing the focus to shift toward investigating the cause of the crash. Though the situation was grave, the collaborative efforts of emergency services ensured the safe exit of the occupants and a swift containment of the fire. The wreckage of both aircraft was deemed a total loss, marking a significant event in the operational logs of the Kalispell airport.
At present, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. The rapid response and successful evacuation emphasized the importance of preparedness and cooperation among emergency crews in mitigating potential tragedies.
