HUNTSVILLE, AL—A tragic plane crash in the remote wilderness of Montana has claimed the lives of an Alabama family of three, leaving the local community in mourning. The single-engine aircraft was reported missing shortly after the pilot declared engine trouble and attempted to divert.
The victims were identified as Mark A., Lainey K., and Ellie M., a husband, wife, and their young daughter, all residents of Huntsville, Alabama. The family was reportedly traveling to the Pacific Northwest to join a cruise.
The Details of the Tragedy
The aircraft, a Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six (or similar single-engine model), departed West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) late Thursday evening.
- Last Transmission: Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported engine trouble and stated they were making a turn to attempt a landing. The plane then dropped off radar and lost cell service in the remote Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of Montana.
- Search and Rescue: Search teams, including the U.S. Air Force and the Montana Transportation Aeronautics Search and Rescue, faced immense challenges due to the dark, freezing weather conditions, and the crash site’s remote location in the mountains.
- Wreckage Found: The wreckage was eventually spotted from the air by search teams in a densely wooded, remote area. Authorities later confirmed that all three occupants were found deceased at the site.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified and are launching a joint investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. The key focus of the investigation will be to determine the cause of the engine failure and the weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Conclusion
The loss of the Alabama family in the Montana mountains is a profound tragedy that underscores the risks of flying in remote, mountainous terrain. The immediate response from search and rescue teams, operating under challenging conditions, highlights the dedication of aviation emergency services. As the NTSB begins the difficult process of recovering the wreckage and determining the cause of the engine failure, the focus of the community remains on supporting the surviving family members.
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Disclaimer
The details in this report regarding the missing family, the aircraft type, and the crash location in Montana are based on information provided by the family and law enforcement officials. The investigation is ongoing, and the determination of the probable cause of the crash is pending the official reports of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (https://www.ntsb.gov/) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (https://www.faa.gov/).
You can watch an overview of the ongoing search efforts in the region in this video: Missing Alabama Family in Piper Aztec – Lost in Montana Wilderness.
