Montana Plane Crash at Kalispell Airport: FAA and NTSB Investigate Landing Incident

A plane crash incident occurred at Kalispell City Airport in Montana on August 11, 2025, involving a Socata TBM 700 turboprop aircraft attempting to land. The collision took place around 2:08 p.m. when the aircraft, carrying four people, lost control upon landing and struck several parked airplanes, igniting a fire. The parked planes were unoccupied, and despite the fiery aftermath, all individuals aboard the TBM 700 managed to escape with minor injuries. Emergency responders, including the Kalispell Fire Department and multiple local fire departments, swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the flames using foam. By 4:30 p.m., the situation was under control, and no additional injuries were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a loss of control as the TBM 700 attempted to land on the runway, leading to the collision. According to witnesses, the aircraft appeared to land near the runway's end before careening into another parked plane. The fire that ensued spread to a nearby grassy area but was quickly extinguished by the collective efforts of firefighting teams from Kalispell, Smith Valley, Whitefish, and Evergreen.

Local law enforcement and firefighting personnel remained on site to manage the crash aftermath, ensuring that the scene remained secure for ongoing investigations. The incident has drawn attention due to the lack of serious injuries despite the dramatic nature of the crash and subsequent fire. The occupants of the TBM 700 were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released.

The TBM 700 was registered to Meter Sky LLC from Pullman, Washington. The flight originated from Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, adding an element of inter-state travel to the incident's profile. The FAA registry confirms the plane's model as a TBM 700, addressing initial confusion regarding its specifications. Following the crash, the airport resumed its operations after law enforcement and responding agencies departed, although part of the taxi runway was cordoned off to preserve evidence for federal investigators.

Interviews with eyewitnesses, including nearby business managers, captured the intensity of the crash as dark smoke filled the air shortly after the collision. The dramatic scene, recorded by cellphone video, showed the taxiway engulfed in flames and smoke before firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze nearly completely.

As the FAA and NTSB delve deeper into the investigation, focus remains on the technical and human factors that may have played a role in the crash. Aviation experts note that incidents involving aircraft colliding with parked planes, though infrequent, are known occurrences within general aviation. The methodical approach to understanding the crash dynamics aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety protocols.