Quick Summary
- A small plane caught fire and collided with a stationary aircraft at Kalispell City Airport, Montana, on Monday.
- Two people suffered minor injuries; no one was inside the second plane.
- A massive fireball was seen across the area; the FAA is investigating.
A dramatic accident at Kalispell City Airport in Montana on Monday afternoon left two people with minor injuries after a small aircraft collided with a stationary plane on the taxiway, triggering a massive fireball and plume of black smoke visible across the area.
What happened at Kalispell City Airport?
According to local authorities, a small plane approaching the runway suddenly caught fire before colliding with another small aircraft parked on the taxiway. The impact caused an explosion that sent flames and thick smoke rising into the Montana sky, with the fire spreading to the grassy infield near the runway.
Video footage shared by witnesses captured the moment the aircraft erupted in a giant fireball, underscoring the intensity of the crash.
Injuries and immediate response
Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed that four people were onboard the burning aircraft. Two sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at the scene. The parked plane was unoccupied at the time of the collision, preventing further casualties.
Emergency crews — including the Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments — responded quickly to contain the fire and secure the area.
Investigation underway
While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to examine the sequence of events, mechanical factors, and pilot actions leading up to the collision.
Authorities have not released details on the make or model of the aircraft involved.
Why this matters
- Public safety: The incident highlights the importance of rapid emergency response in preventing greater harm during airfield accidents.
- Operational safety at smaller airports: Smaller municipal airports like Kalispell City Airport often operate without the same scale of infrastructure as major hubs, making coordination between pilots and ground crews critical.
- FAA oversight: The investigation’s findings could influence updated safety guidelines for taxiway operations and ground positioning at regional airports.