Two Small Planes Collide at Kalispell City Airport, Sparking Massive Runway Fire

A small plane has been involved in a fireball crash after reportedly smashing into a stationary aircraft

A major aviation incident unfolded at Kalispell City Airport in Montana when two small planes collided, igniting a massive blaze on the runway and sending thick black smoke into the sky. The collision occurred around 2:00 p.m., according to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Authorities said a single-engine Socata TBM 700 turboprop was attempting to land when it reportedly suffered a technical issue on the runway and struck another small plane positioned on the taxiway. A loud explosion followed, with flames spreading quickly across the tarmac and onto nearby grass. Several other aircraft in the vicinity were also impacted by the fire.

It is believed that at least four people were onboard the crashed aircraft

Four people were onboard the moving aircraft at the time of the crash. The pilot and three passengers managed to escape before the plane came to a stop, Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed. Two individuals were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The stationary aircraft was unoccupied during the collision.

Emergency crews from the Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments responded immediately, with the first call logged at 2:08 p.m. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze as investigators began examining the cause of the crash.

Black plumes of smoke can be seen rising from flames at the airport

FAA records show the Socata TBM 700, built in 2011, is registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. The airport remains closed while crews assess the damage and continue cleanup operations.

The incident comes two years after a separate fatal crash in Montana, when Paul Ehlen, owner of Precision Lens in Bloomington, Minnesota, died in June 2023 while piloting a vintage World War II-era aircraft from Hamilton Airport shortly after takeoff.