Daijiworld Media Network- Kalispell

Kalispell, Aug 12: A small aircraft attempting to land at Kalispell City Airport in Montana on Monday afternoon crashed into a parked plane, sparking a massive fire and sending clouds of smoke billowing into the sky. Miraculously, all four people onboard escaped without serious injuries.

According to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Socata TBM 700 turboprop was making its landing at around 2 p.m. when it struck an unoccupied aircraft on the ground. The impact triggered a blaze that spread to a nearby grassy patch before being brought under control. Multiple aircraft were reported to have been affected by the incident.

Witnesses recalled seeing the plane approach from the south before crash-landing at the end of the runway and careening into another stationary aircraft. “The moment it came to a halt, the plane burst into flames. Thankfully, the pilot and three passengers managed to get out on their own,” Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen stated.

Ron Danielson, manager of a nearby inn, said he both heard and saw the crash. “It sounded like sticking your head inside a bass drum and someone hitting it with all their might,” he described.

Two passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the airport. FAA records indicate the aircraft, built in 2011, is owned by Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. Company officials were unavailable for comment.

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator with the FAA and NTSB, noted that collisions with parked aircraft occur a few times annually in general aviation. He cited a February incident in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a Learjet owned by rock singer Vince Neil skidded off the runway and struck a parked Gulfstream, resulting in one fatality.

Authorities are investigating the cause of Monday’s crash.