Kalispell City Airport Small Plane Crash Leaves Two with Minor Injuries; FAA Launches Investigation

A routine afternoon at Kalispell City Airport took a dramatic turn on Monday when a Socata TBM 700 turboprop aircraft experienced a landing complication that led to a collision and fire on the tarmac. The accident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m., sending emergency crews racing to the scene and temporarily halting airport activity.

The Incident

Initial reports indicate the small plane encountered a mechanical or operational issue while on final approach to the runway. Witnesses described the landing as “unstable,” with the aircraft touching down at an unusual angle before veering off course. According to preliminary information, the turboprop skidded off the main runway and struck a stationary aircraft on the taxiway.

Within seconds of impact, the moving aircraft ignited, and flames quickly spread to nearby grass along the taxiway’s edge. Four people were on board at the time of the crash. Two of them sustained minor injuries and received treatment on-site. Remarkably, the parked aircraft was unoccupied, preventing further injuries.

Emergency Response

Kalispell Fire Department was first on the scene, followed closely by Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish fire crews. Firefighters deployed foam to suppress the aircraft blaze, which was beginning to extend into a grassy strip adjacent to the taxiway. According to Kalispell Fire Chief Dan Pearson, the coordinated response was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to fuel storage areas or hangars.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. A portion of the airport remained cordoned off for several hours to allow investigators to examine skid marks, debris patterns, and mechanical components of the wrecked aircraft.

Eyewitness Accounts

Local pilot James Harlow, who was preparing for takeoff from a nearby hangar, said he saw the plane “come in hot” and begin drifting left almost immediately after touchdown.

“It was fast, and there was smoke from the tires. The pilot tried to correct, but by then it was too late,” Harlow told the Daily Inter Lake (source).

Another witness, airport worker Megan Foster, reported hearing a “loud metallic crunch” followed by a “whoosh” as flames erupted.

Airport Background

Kalispell City Airport is a general aviation facility located just south of downtown Kalispell. It typically handles private aircraft, training flights, and small charter operations. While incidents are rare, the airport has protocols for runway excursions and collision risks. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti told the Associated Press (source) that general aviation accidents like this occur a few times a year nationwide, often due to mechanical failures or pilot miscalculations.

Investigation and Next Steps

The FAA investigation will likely focus on:

• The plane’s maintenance records.

• Pilot experience and recent flight hours.

• Weather and wind conditions at the time of landing.

• Potential mechanical failures involving the landing gear or brakes.

Investigators will also examine air traffic control communications and interview the pilot and passengers. Preliminary findings are expected within a few weeks, with a final report to follow in several months.

Community and Operational Impact

Flights at Kalispell City Airport were briefly suspended but resumed later in the evening after debris removal and safety inspections. The damaged taxiway remains off-limits while cleanup and repairs continue. The incident has sparked discussions among local pilots and airport staff about reviewing runway safety protocols and improving signage for taxiway transitions.

Despite the fiery aftermath, the fact that all passengers survived with only minor injuries is being hailed as a success story of effective emergency planning and quick response.