A small aircraft collided with parked planes during landing at Kalispell City Airport, resulting in a fire but no serious injuries.

At a Glance

• Single-engine aircraft struck parked planes during landing on August 11, 2025
• All four occupants sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene
• Fire was contained by multiple local fire departments
• FAA and NTSB are conducting a formal investigation
• Several aircraft were destroyed in the incident

Incident Overview

At approximately 2:08 p.m. on August 11, 2025, a single-engine plane attempted to land at Kalispell City Airport in Montana and collided with multiple parked aircraft. The collision sparked a fire that destroyed several planes in the parking area. The four occupants of the landing aircraft, visiting from out of state, received minor injuries and were treated on site by emergency personnel.

According to witnesses, the aircraft made ground contact, bounced, and then veered into the parked planes. This sequence suggests a potential loss of control during the final landing phase. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation to determine the contributing factors.

Watch now: Kalispell City Airport Plane Crash · YouTube

Response and Containment

Fire crews from Evergreen, Smith Valley, and Whitefish fire departments responded rapidly, applying foam to suppress the fire. The Kalispell Police Department and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office managed the scene, restricted access, and coordinated communications with aviation authorities. The quick containment prevented the fire from spreading beyond the impacted area, limiting damage to nearby airport infrastructure.

No other individuals were reported injured, and emergency responders cleared the scene after ensuring the area was secure. The airport temporarily suspended operations during the emergency response.

Investigation Focus

The joint FAA and NTSB investigation will analyze a range of possible causes, including pilot decision-making, aircraft mechanical condition, and environmental factors such as wind conditions at the time of landing. The examination will also include a review of the aircraft’s maintenance records and pilot flight history.

Investigators will assess whether the positioning of parked aircraft in proximity to active runways contributed to the extent of the damage. Findings may lead to safety recommendations for similar municipal airports.

Safety and Operational Considerations

The incident underscores the potential risk of property damage when active runways and parked aircraft are in close proximity. Airport operators may review parking layouts, runway clear zones, and emergency access points to reduce the likelihood of similar collisions.

Short-term impacts include insurance claims and facility repairs, while longer-term responses may involve policy or design changes. Aviation safety protocols, including fire suppression readiness and multi-agency coordination, will likely receive attention during follow-up discussions.

The absence of severe injuries highlights the value of emergency preparedness, but also serves as a reminder that operational hazards exist even in routine landings. The forthcoming investigation results may inform both local and broader aviation safety practices.

Sources

Reuters
Associated Press
Flathead Beacon