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Small Plane Slams Into Parked Aircraft at Montana Airport, Triggering Massive Fire

A landing attempt turned into chaos at Kalispell City Airport on Monday when a small plane crashed into several parked aircraft, igniting fires but miraculously sparing lives.

A Landing That Went Terribly Wrong

It was supposed to be a routine descent. Instead, the single-engine aircraft ended its journey in flames. At around 2 p.m., as it came in to land, the plane lost control, veering off course before smashing into parked planes along the runway.

Authorities say the crash sparked multiple fires — flames leaping from one wrecked craft to another, with thick smoke curling into the Montana sky. For a few tense minutes, it looked like a disaster that could spiral further.

Two people were injured, though both were treated at the airport for minor wounds. That’s the part officials are calling “the only good news of the day.”

What Investigators Know So Far

Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio said preliminary findings point to a loss of control during landing. The aircraft struck the tarmac at an awkward angle before colliding with the stationary planes.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the flight originated in Pullman, Washington. It was carrying four people — all of whom managed to exit on their own after the crash.

Witness accounts match the official version so far. Fire Chief Jay Hagen described it plainly: “It crash-landed at the end of the runway and then careened into another aircraft.”

One sentence from a witness stuck out. Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, said the impact “sounded like if you were to stick your head in a bass drum and somebody smacked it as hard as they could.”

Kalispell City Airport Montana plane crash fire

Airport Firefight Contained the Damage

Kalispell’s fire crews moved quickly, attacking the flames before they could spread beyond the tarmac. The heat was intense enough to threaten a nearby grassy area, and for a short time, there was real concern the wind might carry embers farther.

By late afternoon, the charred remains of several planes sat like twisted sculptures on the field. The airport — small, city-owned, and tucked just south of a community of 30,000 — isn’t used to scenes like this.

The fire didn’t reach any buildings, which officials say was down to a mix of luck and speed in response.

  • Several parked aircraft were destroyed or severely damaged.

  • No hangars or terminal facilities caught fire.

  • Fuel leakage was contained before it posed additional hazards.

An Airport That Usually Runs Quiet

Kalispell City Airport isn’t a major commercial hub. It handles mostly private flights, training operations, and the occasional small charter. That’s why locals describe Monday’s crash as surreal.

“It’s the kind of place where you see kids on bikes watching takeoffs,” one resident said. “You don’t expect to see fire trucks tearing down the runway.”

The location itself makes it popular for recreational pilots — nestled between mountain ranges, with views that make for postcard-perfect departures and landings. Monday’s events were a stark contrast to that serene backdrop.

Early Questions About Pilot’s Final Approach

Details on the pilot’s background haven’t been released yet. Investigators will now be combing through flight logs, maintenance records, and weather data to piece together why control was lost during the final seconds of landing.

Initial weather reports show calm winds at the time, with good visibility. That narrows the list of possible causes but doesn’t eliminate human error or mechanical failure.

NTSB teams are expected to remain on site for several days. The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for closer examination.

Table: Key Facts Known So Far

Detail Information
Date & Time August 11, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. local time
Location Kalispell City Airport, Montana
Aircraft Type Single-engine (model not yet disclosed)
Origin Pullman, Washington
People On Board 4
Injuries 2 minor, treated at scene
Other Damage Several parked aircraft destroyed
Fire Containment Within 30 minutes of crash

A Community Shaken, but Relieved

Kalispell isn’t a stranger to aviation — but it’s rarely headline material. That’s why Monday’s fire, visible from miles away, drew crowds to nearby roads.

Many were snapping photos and videos, but others just stood silently, watching fire crews at work. Conversations often began with the same sentence: “I can’t believe no one died.”

The relief is real, yet so is the unease. For some residents, the sight of scorched fuselages is enough to make them think twice about small-plane travel. For pilots, it’s a sobering reminder that even familiar runways can be unforgiving.

What Happens Next

Once the NTSB finishes its on-site work, attention will shift to rebuilding — both physically and emotionally. The airport will likely resume limited operations soon, but the hangar area where the fires broke out will remain closed for safety checks.

For now, the unanswered question is simple: was this crash the result of an unpredictable malfunction, or was it something preventable?

And for the people of Kalispell, the scene will be hard to forget. Smoke, sirens, and that deep, drum-like sound of metal striking metal — all packed into a Monday afternoon that could have been so much worse.

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