Kalispell, Mont., Aug. 12 — A small aircraft struck a parked plane while attempting to land at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sparking a fire but causing no serious injuries, local and federal officials said.
The crash occurred around 2 p.m. when a Socata TBM 700 turboprop carrying four people came in from the south to land and collided with an unoccupied aircraft on the ground, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. The impact ignited flames that were quickly brought under control by firefighters.
“All four occupants were able to get out on their own,” Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen said, adding that two passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio said the landing aircraft “crash-landed at the end of the runway before careening into another plane.”
Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing thick black smoke billowing from the airport, located just south of downtown in the city of about 30,000 residents.
FAA records show the 2011-built turboprop is registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. Company representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
