A massive fire erupted at Kalispell City Airport in Montana on Monday, August 11, 2025, after two planes collided during landing.

According to gbnews.com, authorities say a single-engine Socata TBM 700, carrying four people, was attempting to land when the pilot lost control and struck several parked aircraft on the runway.

The impact triggered explosions and ignited fires that spread across the tarmac and into a grassy area before firefighters brought them under control.

Witnesses described a “loud explosion” at the moment of impact. Ron Danielson, who manages a nearby inn, said the sound was unforgettable saying, “It sounded like if you were to stick your head in a bass drum and somebody smacked it as hard as they could.”

Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen confirmed that all four passengers exited the plane on their own.

“Two were slightly hurt and treated at the airport,” he said.

The plane had originated in Pullman, Washington, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. FAA records show it was built in 2011 and is owned by Meter Sky LLC of Pullman. The company has not commented on the incident.

Congressman Ryan Zinke said his staff were on site following the crash.

“From what we understand, no one was injured, praise God. We will be assisting local authorities and the airport in any way we can as they handle this unfortunate accident,” he stated.

Bodies of 8 persons killed in military helicopter crash retrieved - Dr Frank Amoakohene

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti said such collisions with parked aircraft happen “a few times a year” in general aviation, pointing to a similar February incident in Arizona involving a Learjet owned by Vince Neil that struck a parked Gulfstream, killing one person.

The airport was temporarily closed as investigators began probing the cause of the crash.

The incident comes less than a week after tragedy struck in Ghana, where a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of eight people.

The people on board included Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

Both accidents couple with others have reignited discussions on aviation safety standards worldwide.

FKA/MA