Pilot dies after plane crashes into river

One person died as the result of a plane crashing into the Flathead River near Perma on Sunday. The crash was reported about 8:45 a.m. to the Sanders County Sheriff's Office (SCSO). The crash was reported east of the Perma bridge.

SCSO reported that upon further investigation, it was determined the plane struck the power lines, causing the crash. The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District's water rescue team was deployed. They removed the occupant of the plane, as well as a bystander who had swam out to the plane. The pilot was flown to Kalispell and was later pronounced dead.

SCSO stated that several other agencies responded to the plane crash, including CSKT tribal law enforcement and fish, wildlife and game, Plains Community Ambulance, Hot Springs Fire and EMS, Dixon QUR, Mission Valley Power, and FWP. The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Dixon Rural Fire Department commended first responders for their assistance on Sunday. "It's refreshing to know what agencies have the equipment and training to pull this off," they stated on their Facebook page.