(UPDATE, APRIL 13) According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy was flying was an Aero Vodochody model L-39.
The FAA says the aircraft experienced engine issues and made a forced landing in a field with its gear up near Ennis. There was "substantial" damage to the aircraft, and no injuries.
According to the FAA registry, the aircraft is registered in Pennsylvania and is owned by Jared Isaacman with JDI Holdings, LLC. Isaacman is the current Administrator of NASA, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.
The Vodochody was manufactured in the Czech Republic, with the first flight of this type of aircraft in 1968.
According to Aero Vodochody documentation, the L-39C is a trainer of the L-39 Albatros series and was used primarily as a jet trainer. Nearly 3,000 of the aircraft were built, making it one of the world's "most successful jet trainers."
According to the Federal Register, there are currently 110 registered L-39 aircraft operating in the U.S., making it the most numerous former military jet trainer imported into the country.
MTN News has tried to contact Sheehy's office for comments and other updates, but not yet received a reply.
(1st REPORT, APRIL 10) An airplane with U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana aboard made an emergency landing in Madison County on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Sheehy's chief of staff Mike Berg confirmed to MTN News that the plane made an emergency landing due to a "mechanical engine failure."
The plane reportedly landed in a field near the town of Ennis, and neither of the people on board were injured.
Berg said it was a routine flight training exercise which Sheehy completes twice each year.
At this point, there is no word on the details of the mechanical failure, nor the type of plane involved.
Sheehy is an FAA-certified commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.
We will update you as we get more information.
