KALISPELL — Authorities have released the names of the two people who died in a Saturday plane crash in Northwest Montana.
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office reports Dwight Steffanson, 69, of College Place, Washington and Thomas Gladden, 68, of Otis Orchards, Washington, died in the incident that happened at Ryan Field outside of West Glacier.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino previously told MTN News that a witness on scene said the plane crashed shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft was fully engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.
The Flathead County Coroner’s Office has transported the decedents to the Montana State Crime Lab for autopsies.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing in cooperation with federal aviation authorities.
Recreational Aviation Foundation Administrative Director Tricia McKenna released the following statement:
Ryan Field is a privately owned turf airfield on property owned by the Recreational Aviation Foundation, RAF. The property was generously donated to the RAF by US Army veterans Ben and Agnes “Butchie” Ryan.
Ryan Field is a backcountry airfield for seasonal, recreational use.
The RAF extends their condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives in the July 26, 2025 accident. The NTSB and FAA are conducting a thorough investigation, as is customary, and will release details as they become available.
The RAF also thanks the Flathead County Sheriff Department, members of the Posse, Flathead County Office of Emergency Services, the US Forest Service, Hungry Horse, Martin City, and Coram-West Glacier Fire Departments, and Three Rivers Ambulance, who so promptly and capably responded.
