Montana, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A devastating plane crash in Montana claimed the lives of Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie, while they were traveling for a vacation. The twin-engine aircraft encountered engine trouble, leading to a loss of signal and subsequent crash. The search for the wreckage faced challenges due to harsh weather conditions, but was ultimately located. The tight-knit community of Huntsville is coming together to support the grieving family, with counseling services and a vigil scheduled at Milton Frank Stadium.
Huntsville, Alabama
A tragic plane crash in Montana claimed the lives of Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey (22) and Ellie (17), on Friday afternoon, October 17, 2025. The family was en route to Polson, Montana for a vacation when they encountered engine trouble shortly before losing signal with the aircraft.
The aircraft involved was a twin-engine Piper PA27 Aztec F, built in 1981 and registered to Mark Anderson’s limited liability company. A report of a downed plane was received by the Powell County Sheriff’s Office around 4:30 p.m. MDT. Due to challenging weather conditions, search efforts were initially hindered but resumed early Saturday morning. A volunteer aircraft located the wreckage at 9 a.m. on Saturday, using a weak emergency locator transmitter signal.
The crash site was found in a remote, wooded area of Youngs Creek, northeast of Seeley Lake, Montana. Unfortunately, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the crash has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Mark’s wife and the girls’ mother, Misty Anderson, was not on board the flight as she was traveling separately on a commercial flight to meet them in Montana. Ellie Anderson was a senior at Huntsville High School, while Lainey, a graduate, worked as a certified flight instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.
In response to the tragedy, Huntsville High School announced that counselors would be available to students to provide support following Ellie Anderson’s passing. Furthermore, a vigil for the family is scheduled for Wednesday at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.
Lainey was highly regarded by her peers and instructors, with Sanders Aviation praising her as an exceptional aviator dedicated to her craft and her students. The Huntsville High Volleyball team also expressed their condolences, highlighting the positive impact both Ellie and Lainey had on their community.
Background Context
This incident adds to the significant safety concerns surrounding private aviation, particularly regarding aging aircraft and the importance of regular maintenance. The Piper PA27 Aztec, while a well-known aircraft model, has been in service since the early 1980s, raising questions about the challenges posed by older planes in private aviation.
The loss of the Anderson family has resonated deeply within the Huntsville community, known for its tight-knit nature, where tragedies such as this often have far-reaching emotional effects. The school’s offerings of counseling services and scheduled vigils reflect the community’s effort to support those grieving the significant loss during this difficult time.
