Lincoln, Montana, October 26, 2025
News Summary
A plane crash near Lincoln Airport, Montana, claimed the life of a pilot who was attempting to land on Friday night. The pilot, traveling to meet family for a hunting trip, activated runway lights before colliding with trees during the landing approach. Eyewitnesses reported a significant explosion at the crash site, which is located half a mile north of the airport. This incident is part of a worrying trend of aviation accidents in Montana, prompting an investigation by the NTSB and FAA.
Lincoln, Montana – Pilot Dies in Plane Crash Near Lincoln Airport While Approaching for Landing
A man died Friday night in a plane crash near Lincoln, Montana, while he was attempting to land at Lincoln Airport. The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. as the pilot was preparing to land, reportedly traveling to meet family members for a hunting trip scheduled for the following day.
Before the crash, the pilot activated the runway lights and approached the east end of the runway. After executing a pass over the runway, the plane made a turn back and subsequently collided with trees. The crash site is located approximately half a mile north of Lincoln Airport.
Zach Muse, chief of Lincoln Volunteer Fire Rescue, indicated that the aircraft involved was believed to be a Cirrus model. According to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft during the accident. A family member was present at the airport at the time of the crash.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of recent aviation crashes in Montana. Notably, a family of three from Huntsville, Alabama, perished in a plane crash on October 17, and four individuals lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Ekalaka. In August, a Life Flight helicopter crash occurred in downtown Lincoln; fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the crew in that incident.
Statistics indicate that Montana ranks third in the nation for small aircraft crash rates per population, following Alaska and Wyoming. Despite this high ranking, official reports show that small aircraft accidents in Montana have decreased this year when compared to the same timeframe last year.
Eyewitness John Perkins reported witnessing a significant explosion as the plane crashed near his home, prompting him to take immediate action to protect neighboring properties from potential flames and debris.
Due to the extensive damage and severe burning of the wreckage, authorities anticipate using forensic methods, including dental records, to identify the deceased pilot. The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office plans to release the identity of the pilot once it has been confirmed through forensic analysis.
Authorities estimate that the full investigation into the incident may take approximately three months to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Lincoln, Montana, on Friday night?
A man died in a plane crash near Lincoln, Montana, while attempting to land at Lincoln Airport.
What was the pilot doing before the crash?
The pilot was traveling to meet family members for a hunting trip the following day.
Was anyone else on the plane?
According to authorities, the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
How is the investigation into the crash being conducted?
The investigation is being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Key Features of the Crash
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Lincoln Airport, Montana |
| Time of Incident | 9:15 PM on Friday night |
| Aircraft Type | Cirrus model |
| Casualties | 1 (the pilot) |
| Investigative Agencies | NTSB and FAA |
| Estimated Investigation Duration | Approximately 3 months |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTVH News: Update on Fatal Plane Crash in Lincoln
- Wikipedia: Plane Crash
- Montana Right Now: Spokane Man Identified Among Victims in Deadly Plane Crash
- Google Search: Plane crash Lincoln Montana
- KRTV: Deadly Plane Crash Reported in Lincoln
- Google News: Lincoln Montana plane crash
- Helena Independent Record: Deadly Plane Crash in Lincoln
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- KBZK: Update on Fatal Plane Crash in Lincoln
- NBC Montana: 1 Confirmed Dead in Lincoln Plane Crash
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.
