Dwight Steffanson and Thomas Gladden die in fatal West Glacier airplane crash
The fatal West Glacier airplane crash last weekend claimed the lives of two Washington men, identified by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office as the victims.
Fatal West Glacier airplane crash death of Dwight Steffanson and Thomas Gladden
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Dwight Steffanson, a 69-year-old from College Place, Washington, and Thomas Gladden, also 68 and from Otis Orchards, Washington, were the victims of the fatal accident at a back country airstrip west of West Glacier.
Investigators from the agency expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased gentlemen during this challenging period, as stated in their official post.
Following the incident, authorities transported the bodies to the Montana State Crime Lab for autopsy procedures.
Federal records show the 1975 Grumman American AA-5 Tiger aircraft involved in the crash was registered under Gladden’s name in April 2024. Documentation indicates the airplane was co-owned.
Flight logs revealed the plane took off from Kellogg, Idaho, landing at Ryan Airfield the day before the accident at 4:36 p.m. on July 25.
Emergency services and rescue teams were dispatched following a report of an aircraft off the runway at approximately 9:41 a.m., July 26. When responders arrived, the aircraft was completely surrounded by flames, and fire suppression measures were immediately underway.
According to Sheriff Brian Heino, witnesses reported the plane was in the process of taking off when the crash occurred.
The response involved the Coram-West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department, Hungry Horse Fire Department, Martin City Fire Department, Three Rivers Ambulance Service, Flathead County Office of Emergency Services, and members of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse.
A federal investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) visited the scene last week to examine the cause of the crash.
Spokesperson Keith Holloway explained that after examining the aircraft at the location, it will be moved to a secure facility for additional analysis.
Holloway outlined that the investigation focuses on three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft itself, and the operational environment.
The probe will review any air traffic control communications, flight tracking data, weather reports, witness accounts, and the aircraft’s maintenance history. Investigators also plan to conduct a 72-hour background check on the pilot to assess if any factors may have impacted their flying capability.
The NTSB is currently in the initial phases of the investigation. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days following the accident, with a final report detailing the probable cause anticipated within one to two years.
Individuals with relevant information or surveillance footage are urged to contact the federal agency at [email protected].
Ryan Airfield, the private runway location, is operated by the nonprofit Recreational Aviation Foundation and also provides camping and cabin facilities adjacent to the airstrip.
