Montana, October 22, 2025
News Summary
A tragic plane crash in the Montana wilderness has resulted in the loss of Huntsville resident Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie. The incident occurred when the plane lost radar contact due to engine trouble. Mark Anderson, a seasoned pilot and real estate agent, was flying the twin-engine Aztec aircraft. The community is mourning the family’s loss, with a prayer vigil planned to honor their memory. Support services have been arranged for affected students and staff at Huntsville High School, which canceled homecoming events in light of the tragedy.
Huntsville
A tragic plane crash in the Montana wilderness has resulted in the deaths of Huntsville resident Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie. The incident was reported to the Powell County Sheriff’s Office around 4:30 p.m. local time on October 17, 2025. The family was traveling in a twin-engine Aztec aircraft, which Mark Anderson was piloting.
According to initial reports, the plane lost radar contact shortly before the crash due to issues with its engine. The crash site was located the following morning by an Air Force helicopter in a remote area of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. First responders arrived at the scene and confirmed the unfortunate news that there were no survivors at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Mark Anderson was known in Huntsville as both an experienced pilot and a real estate agent. His daughter Lainey was a Certified Flight Instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, having recently graduated from Auburn University’s Professional Flight program. Ellie, on the other hand, was a senior at Huntsville High School and actively participated as a member of the school’s dance team. The family’s beloved dog, Stella, was also aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Mark’s wife, Misty, who is the girls’ mother, was not on board the plane and is now dealing with profound grief following the loss of her family. Community figures such as Huntsville City Councilman David Little, who were friends of the family, have expressed deep sadness and noted the Anderson family’s strong ties within the local community.
A prayer vigil for the Anderson family is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium. Members of the community are expected to gather there to pay their respects and offer support during this difficult time. In light of the tragedy, Huntsville High School has announced the cancellation of its homecoming events and has made support counselors available for grieving students and staff members.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. The Anderson family has expressed gratitude to the community for their support and love during this tragic time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Montana plane crash involving the Anderson family?
A tragic plane crash occurred in the Montana wilderness on Friday, resulting in the deaths of Huntsville resident Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie. The crash was reported to the Powell County Sheriff’s Office around 4:30 p.m. local time on October 17, 2025.
What were the details surrounding the plane crash?
The plane, a twin-engine Aztec operated by Mark Anderson, lost radar contact shortly before the crash due to reported engine trouble. The crash site was discovered the following morning by an Air Force helicopter in a remote area of Bob Marshall Wilderness. First responders arrived at the scene and confirmed there were no survivors at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Who were the Anderson family members involved in the crash?
Mark Anderson was an experienced pilot and a real estate agent in Huntsville. Lainey Anderson was a Certified Flight Instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, having graduated from Auburn University’s Professional Flight program. Ellie Anderson was a senior at Huntsville High School and a member of the school’s dance team.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | Plane crash in Montana involving the Anderson family |
| Victims | Mark Anderson and his daughters Lainey and Ellie |
| Crash Date | October 17, 2025 |
| Response | First responders confirmed no survivors the next day |
| Community Support | Vigil planned and school events canceled |
| Investigation | NTSB investigating the cause |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Anderson Family
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Family in Montana
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Crews Searching for Huntsville Pilot Family After Reported Plane Crash in Montana
- Wikipedia: Aviation Accidents and Incidents
- AL.com: Prayer Vigil Set for Huntsville Family Killed in Plane Crash
- Google Search: Huntsville Plane Crash
- WAAYTV: Family Releases Statement After Huntsville Father & Daughters Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Crash
- ABC3340: Montana Plane Crash Claims Lives of Three from Huntsville
- Google News: Montana Plane Crash
- WHNT: Vigil Planned for Huntsville Family Killed in Plane Crash
- WAFF: Huntsville Community Plans Vigil for 3 Killed in Plane Crash
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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