Montana, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A plane crash in Montana resulted in the deaths of an experienced pilot, Mark Anderson, and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, from Huntsville, Alabama. The incident occurred in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, provoking an extensive search operation by local authorities and the Air Force. The wreckage was found the next day, but unfortunately, all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The community mourns this tragic loss as investigations are currently conducted by the FAA and NTSB.
Huntsville, Alabama – A tragic plane crash in Montana has claimed the lives of a pilot and his two daughters from Huntsville. The incident occurred on Friday, October 17, around 4:30 p.m. and involved a small aircraft that lost radar contact while flying in a remote area of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, located in northern Powell County.
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office received a report concerning a potential downed aircraft, prompting an extensive search operation. Air resources from Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls were deployed for the search efforts, which continued until midnight. The wreckage was located on Saturday, October 18, at approximately 9 a.m. by an Air Force helicopter. First responders, including members from the Powell County Coroner’s Office, Missoula County Search and Rescue, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, arrived at the scene around 4 p.m. on the same day, where they pronounced the pilot and two passengers dead.
The pilot has been identified as Mark Anderson, who was reported to be an experienced pilot. The passengers, identified as Mark’s daughters, Lainey and Ellie, were confirmed to be from North Alabama. They were members of the Monte Sano Baptist Church, which had earlier called for community prayers for their safe return amidst concerns over their disappearance.
Prior to the confirmation of their deaths, the church urged community members to pray for the complete safety of the family and for their dog, Stella, who was reportedly on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. Complications related to weather conditions initially delayed search efforts, but search teams resumed their work and ultimately located the wreckage.
The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At this time, no further details about the crash or the investigation have been released.
This devastating event has left the local community in mourning, as friends and family gather to pay their respects and support one another during this difficult time.
FAQ
What happened in the plane crash in Montana?
A plane crash in Montana resulted in the deaths of a pilot and two passengers from Huntsville, Alabama on Friday, October 17, around 4:30 p.m.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The pilot was identified as Mark Anderson, and the two passengers were his daughters, Lainey and Ellie.
What prompted the search for the downed aircraft?
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office received a report about a possible downed aircraft in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, leading to the deployment of air resources for the search.
What organizations are involved in the investigation?
The investigation is currently being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 17 |
| Location | Bob Marshall Wilderness, Northern Powell County, Montana |
| Victims | Mark Anderson (pilot), Lainey and Ellie (passengers) |
| Search Initiation | After report of possible downed aircraft |
| Search Conducted By | Powell County Sheriff’s Office, Malstrom Air Force Base |
| Investigation Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Family Loses Lives in Montana Plane Crash
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Crews Searching for Huntsville Pilot Family
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WHNT: 3 Killed in Montana Plane Crash
- Google Search: plane crash Huntsville Alabama
- KRTV: 3 People Dead After Small Plane Crash
- Google Scholar: plane crash investigation
- ABC3340: Montana Plane Crash Claims Lives of Three
- Encyclopedia Britannica: aviation safety
- KBTX: NTSB Determines Cause of Huntsville Plane Crash
- Google News: National Transportation Safety Board investigation
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
