Kalispell, Montana: A routine landing turned hazardous when a small turboprop aircraft clipped a stationary plane at Kalispell City Airport, sparking a fire that sent thick smoke billowing over the runway.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m., according to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio. Authorities identified the aircraft as a Socata TBM 700 carrying four individuals. Upon touching down, the plane collided with an unoccupied parked aircraft, igniting flames that quickly spread to the surrounding grass.
Emergency crews from Kalispell Fire Department responded within minutes, dousing the flames before they could threaten additional planes or nearby hangars. Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed that all four occupants of the moving aircraft evacuated safely. Two suffered minor injuries but declined hospital treatment.
“Given the fuel onboard and the proximity to other planes, this could have been far worse,” Hagen said.
The impact damaged several parked planes in addition to the one struck directly. FAA officials have launched an investigation to determine whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions played a role.
Eyewitness and local pilot Mark Ellison described the moment of impact: “It looked like a gust pushed it just off line, and then — bang — there was a burst of flame.”
FAA records show the TBM 700 is registered to Meter Sky LLC. While rare, runway collisions have occurred elsewhere in recent years, prompting aviation safety advocates to stress the importance of strict taxiway and landing protocols.
Officials have not disclosed how long cleanup and damage assessments will keep sections of the runway closed.
