Plane collision during landing at Montana airport results in no casualties among the passengers
A small Socata TBM 700 turboprop plane carrying four people crashed at the Kalispell City Airport in Montana on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at around 2 p.m., causing a large fire but resulting in no serious injuries.
The injured parties were treated at the airport, with the pilot being the only one sustaining moderate injuries. Two passengers only received slight injuries. The crash was witnessed by several individuals, and the fires spread to a grassy area but were eventually extinguished.
The plane, built in 2011 and owned by Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington, lost control during landing and struck several parked aircraft. The Kalispell Fire Chief Jay Hagen provided statements about the crash, while the company representatives of Meter Sky LLC did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.
According to aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti, incidents where planes crash into parked aircraft happen a few times a year in general aviation. Guzzetti, who used to investigate crashes for both the FAA and NTSB, highlighted pilot loss of control during landing or taxiing, mechanical malfunctions such as landing gear failures, and pilot error during critical phases like approach or landing as common causes.
Early findings from the crash investigation suggest a possible malfunction involving the landing gear or other aircraft systems, although a full investigation by the FAA and NTSB is pending. It is worth noting that in a high-profile incident in February, a Learjet owned by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil veered off a runway in Scottsdale, Arizona, and crashed into a parked Gulfstream, killing one person.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, other common factors contributing to small plane crashes may include pilot error, such as misjudging landing approach or runway conditions, mechanical or system failures, where small aircraft lack redundant systems, making single failures critical, and environmental factors like weather or runway surface conditions.
In light of these findings, it is crucial to emphasize the need for thorough safety and mechanical inspections to mitigate the risks associated with small plane crashes. The full investigation into the Kalispell City Airport crash is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
The crash of the small Socata TBM 700 turboprop plane at the Kalispell City Airport might not be limited to this incident alone, as aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti suggests such accidents where planes crash into parked aircraft happen a few times a year in general aviation. sports coverage might include this general-news item about the car-accidents at airports, as it spotlights the need for enhanced safety measures.
