In a dramatic rescue operation, authorities in Montana successfully saved all six individuals aboard a small plane that crashed near Kalispell on Sunday, as reported by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred when a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, carrying a pilot and five passengers, went down in a remote, heavily wooded area near Bob Marshall Wilderness, approximately 15 miles from the city.
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the downed aircraft at around 3:30 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from multiple agencies. Search and rescue teams, supported by Two Bear Air Rescue and the Flathead National Forest Service, launched a coordinated effort to locate the wreckage. An emergency locator beacon on the plane aided in pinpointing its position, allowing responders to reach the site efficiently despite challenging terrain.
Upon arrival, rescue teams found all six occupants alive, though some sustained injuries requiring medical attention. The survivors were airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, with authorities noting that the injuries varied in severity but were not life-threatening. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office praised the swift response of the rescue teams, emphasizing the critical role played by the emergency beacon in facilitating the operation.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is working alongside local authorities to determine the circumstances leading to the incident. The Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a single-engine aircraft commonly used for recreational and utility purposes, was reportedly on a private flight when it went down. No further details about the flight’s purpose or the identities of those onboard have been released.
This incident underscores the dangers of flying in remote regions, where rugged landscapes can complicate rescue efforts. The successful recovery of all passengers highlights the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response systems in Montana’s wilderness areas. The Independent reached out to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment but has not yet received a response. The NTSB’s investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the factors contributing to the crash.
