Huntsville, Alabama, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A plane crash during a flight from Huntsville, Alabama, claimed the lives of Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie. The aircraft lost contact due to reported engine trouble, leading to a search that found the wreckage in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. The community mourns the loss and honors the family with a vigil.
Huntsville, Alabama – A tragic plane crash on Friday, September 17, claimed the lives of three family members, including Huntsville father Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie Anderson. The aircraft lost contact shortly before Mark Anderson reported engine trouble, and the wreckage was discovered the following morning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in western Montana.
Search efforts were initiated after the plane went missing, leading to its location around 9 a.m. on Saturday when a volunteer aircraft picked up a weak emergency locator transmitter signal. Unfortunately, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by the Powell County Sheriff’s Office.
Mark Anderson, described as an experienced pilot, was flying with his daughters at the time of the crash. Lainey Anderson was not only a certified flight instructor but also a respected graduate of Auburn University’s Professional Flight program, cherished by her students at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, Alabama. Ellie Anderson was a senior at Huntsville High School, where officials announced her death and provided support from counselors for grieving students and staff.
The family from Huntsville, Alabama, will be honored at a vigil scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium. A statement from the Anderson family expressed appreciation for the community’s support during this difficult period and noted their plans to bring their loved ones back to Huntsville for services.
Mark Anderson’s church, Monte Sano Baptist Church, remembered him for his exceptional piloting skills and requested prayers during the search for the family. The crash site has been reported as remote, lacking cell service, which hampered rescue efforts and delayed the search operations. Weather conditions further complicated these efforts, making the situation even more challenging for search parties.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken over the investigation into the cause of the crash to determine what led to this tragic incident.
In summary, the loss of Mark, Lainey, and Ellie Anderson has left a profound impact on the Huntsville community, highlighting the need for support and remembrance during this heartbreaking time.
FAQ
What happened during the plane crash in Montana?
Three victims, Mark Anderson (father), Lainey Anderson (older daughter), and Ellie Anderson (younger daughter), were killed in a plane crash on Friday, September 17, in Montana.
Where was the wreckage of the plane discovered?
The wreckage of the plane was discovered on Saturday morning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in western Montana.
What were the qualifications of the victims?
Mark Anderson was described as an experienced pilot, while Lainey Anderson was a certified flight instructor and Ellie Anderson was a senior at Huntsville High School.
What led to the search for the missing plane?
A search began after the plane lost contact; Mark had reported engine trouble shortly before the signal was lost.
Who found the plane and when?
The plane was located around 9 a.m. on Saturday by a volunteer aircraft tracking a weak emergency locator transmitter signal.
What will happen to honor the Anderson family?
The family will be remembered at a vigil held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium.
How is the community responding to the tragedy?
A statement from the Anderson family expressed gratitude for community support and mentioned they are working to bring loved ones back to Huntsville for services.
What are the plans for supporting grieving students at Huntsville High School?
Huntsville High School officials notified students and staff about the death of Ellie Anderson, announcing that counselors would be available to provide support.
What efforts are being made regarding the investigation of the crash?
The investigation into the crash’s cause has been handed over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Crash | September 17 |
| Location of Wreckage | Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana |
| Victims | Mark Anderson, Lainey Anderson, Ellie Anderson |
| Investigation Bodies | FAA, NTSB |
| Community Vigil | Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Milton Frank Stadium |
| School Support | Counselors available at Huntsville High School |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Plane Crash Claims Anderson Family in Montana
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Additional Resources
- WAAY 31 News
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Rocket City Now
- Google Search: Huntsville plane crash
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aircraft Accident
- Yellowhammer News
- Google News: Huntsville 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.
