Alabama Pilot And His Two Daughters Found Dead After Plane Crash In Montana

Helena, Montana — An Alabama father and his two daughters were tragically found dead after their small plane crashed in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, authorities confirmed over the weekend. The victims were identified as Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who had gone missing during a cross-country flight from Alabama to Montana.

According to the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the wreckage was discovered on Saturday, October 18, following an extensive overnight search. The aircraft had been reported down around 4:30 p.m. Friday, prompting a large-scale response involving the Air Force, Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division, and multiple volunteer teams.

Search Efforts Spanned Overnight Hours

Rescue crews from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls were among the first to assist, deploying aircraft to survey the rugged terrain until midnight. At approximately 9 a.m. Saturday, a volunteer search plane spotted the crash site in northern Powell County, a remote and heavily forested region known for its challenging conditions.

Officials confirmed that all three occupants — the pilot and two passengers — were pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office has since turned the investigation over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.

Alabama Church Mourns Beloved Family

Before the heartbreaking confirmation, Monte Sano Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama — where the Anderson family were members — had asked for prayers for their safe return. “Mark, Lainey, and Ellie Anderson went missing yesterday while flying to Polson, Montana,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “Mark is an experienced pilot, and we were holding onto hope that he made a safe landing in a remote area.”

The church described Mark Anderson as a devoted father, skilled pilot, and active member of his community. The congregation shared their grief online, asking for prayers for Misty Anderson, Mark’s wife and the girls’ mother, as well as for extended family and friends.

“We trust in God’s protection and are asking for a miracle,” the church wrote during the search. Later updates confirmed that the family’s plane had been located and that recovery efforts were underway.

Investigation Into The Cause Underway

Authorities have not yet released details on what may have caused the crash, though weather conditions in the area were described as challenging during the search effort. The Bob Marshall Wilderness — a vast, mountainous region in western Montana — is known for its limited communication and rough terrain, which often complicate recovery operations.

The FAA and NTSB will oversee the investigation, reviewing flight data and debris to identify contributing factors. Officials have not indicated whether mechanical issues or environmental conditions played a role.

Remembering The Anderson Family

Friends and neighbors in Alabama remembered the Andersons as kind-hearted and close-knit. Community members have organized prayer gatherings and fundraisers to support Misty Anderson and help cover travel and memorial expenses.

“Mark loved to fly, and his daughters adored adventure,” one family friend said. “They were deeply loved and will never be forgotten.”

As condolences continue pouring in from across the country, the Monte Sano Baptist Church said it is focusing on healing and remembrance, calling on members to “honor their lives with faith and love.”

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