August 12, 2025 — A small private aircraft crashed during its landing at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, colliding with several parked planes and sparking a massive blaze. Authorities confirmed that all four occupants survived the incident without life-threatening injuries.
The single-engine Socata TBM 700 was on final approach shortly after 2:00 p.m. when it veered off its intended path and struck stationary aircraft positioned near the runway. The collision ruptured fuel tanks, causing an intense fire that sent thick plumes of smoke high into the air.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, containing the flames before they could spread to airport facilities. “Considering the scale of the fire and the proximity to other aircraft, it’s extraordinary that everyone got out safely,” said Kalispell Fire Chief Dan Pearce.
Witnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by a fireball that quickly consumed nearby planes. “The heat was intense even from where I was standing,” said Mark Harrison, a local resident observing from the airport’s public viewing area.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have begun investigations to determine the cause. Early indications suggest a possible mechanical malfunction during descent, though officials noted that weather conditions were clear at the time.
Airport operations were halted for several hours as firefighting crews worked to fully extinguish the blaze and secure the area. Several flights were redirected to Glacier Park International Airport, located about eight miles away.
Officials have not released the names of the pilot or passengers. Damage assessments are ongoing, but preliminary estimates suggest millions of dollars in losses due to the destruction of multiple aircraft.
This marks one of the most serious aviation accidents at Kalispell City Airport in recent years. Investigators are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks, which could lead to recommendations aimed at strengthening aviation safety measures.
