Montana, October 23, 2025
News Summary
A plane crash in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana, has tragically claimed the lives of Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie. The crash occurred when the aircraft lost radar contact, prompting a search by the Malmstrom Air Force Base crew. All three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating the incident. A prayer vigil is set for the Anderson family in Huntsville, Alabama, reflecting the community’s deep sorrow over this heartbreaking loss.
Huntsville, Alabama – A tragic plane crash in the Montana wilderness has claimed the lives of Mark Anderson, age 62, and his two daughters, Lainey (22) and Ellie (17). The aircraft went down around 4:30 p.m. in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, a vast 1.5 million-acre area where radar contact was lost, prompting a search operation initiated by air crews from Malmstrom Air Force Base located in Great Falls.
The search effort continued until midnight, with rescuers ultimately locating the wreckage the following morning at approximately 9 a.m. The plane crash resulted in the immediate death of all three occupants, as confirmed by members of the Powell County Coroner’s Office who pronounced them dead at the scene.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the investigation into the crash has been handed over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Prior to the tragic confirmation of their deaths, the Monte Sano Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, where the Anderson family worshiped, had requested prayers for their safe return.
Lainey Anderson, the eldest daughter, was remembered as an exceptional and skilled aviator, serving as a certified flight instructor at Sanders Aviation located in Jasper, Alabama. She had recently earned her certification as a flight instructor after graduating from Auburn University’s Professional Flight program. Her dedication to her craft garnered respect and admiration within the aviation community.
Ellie Anderson, the youngest daughter, was a senior at Huntsville High School. She was actively involved with the Element Dance Company and was cherished by her peers for the positivity she brought into their lives.
The Anderson family was en route to a family vacation in Polson, Montana, where their mother, Misty Anderson, was traveling by commercial flight to meet them. The sudden loss of Mark, Lainey, and Ellie has left local communities and friends reeling, as many took to social media to express their grief, sharing tributes and memories of the cherished family.
A prayer vigil in remembrance of Lainey, Ellie, and Mark Anderson has been scheduled for October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville, reflecting the community’s desire to come together during this heartbreaking time.
Sanders Aviation has described Lainey as dedicated to her craft and students, highlighting the significant impact she had on her peers and the broader aviation community. Similarly, Ellie was honored by her high school and dance team family for her involvements, showcasing the deep connections she fostered throughout her life.
Investigation and Response
As the FAA and NTSB begin their investigation, further details regarding the cause of the plane crash remain to be determined. Authorities will look into various factors surrounding the incident while providing support to the grieving families and community affected by this tragedy.
Community Reaction
The response from the Anderson family’s community underscores the loss felt by many. With heartfelt tributes, shared memories, and expressions of love, the community is coming together to remember the lives lost in this tragic accident.
FAQ
- Who were the victims of the plane crash? Mark Anderson, age 62, and his two daughters, Lainey (22) and Ellie (17), were found dead after their plane crashed in the Montana wilderness.
- When did the crash occur? The plane went down around 4:30 p.m. in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
- How did the search operation initiate? Radar contact was lost over the area, which initiated a search operation by air crews from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.
- When was the wreckage located? The wreckage was located the following morning at approximately 9 a.m. by a volunteer aircraft operating under the Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division.
- What is the status of the investigation? The investigation into the crash has been handed over to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board).
- What was Lainey Anderson’s occupation? Lainey Anderson was a certified flight instructor at Sanders Aviation in Jasper, Alabama.
- What were Ellie Anderson’s accomplishments? Ellie was a senior at Huntsville High School and actively involved with the Element Dance Company.
- What was the family’s purpose for flying to Montana? The family was en route to a family vacation in Polson, Montana.
- Was there any community response to this event? A prayer vigil in remembrance of Lainey, Ellie, and Mark Anderson is scheduled for October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Crash | Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana |
| Victims | Mark Anderson (62), Lainey Anderson (22), Ellie Anderson (17) |
| Time of Incident | Around 4:30 p.m. |
| Search Operation Start | Upon loss of radar contact |
| Wreckage Found | Approximately 9 a.m. the following morning |
| Investigation Authority | FAA and NTSB |
| Community Response | Prayer vigil scheduled for October 22 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AL.com
- Fox News
- WAFF 48 News
- Yellowhammer News
- Rocket City Now
- Wikipedia: Plane crash
- Google Search: Huntsville Alabama plane crash
- Google Scholar: Aviation safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- Google News: Alabama 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.
