Bradley Young Obituary, Death – Authorities in Flathead County have released the name of the man who lost his life in a small plane crash near Ferndale Airfield late last week. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim was 63-year-old Bradley Young of Kalispell, who died from injuries sustained in the accident.

The crash occurred Friday afternoon in Flathead County, a rural area in northwest Montana known for its scenic landscapes and small airstrips. According to officials, the aircraft went down near the Ferndale Airfield under circumstances that remain under investigation. The wreckage was discovered badly damaged, and flames had engulfed much of the plane by the time emergency crews arrived.

The Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department was among the first responders to reach the crash site. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading beyond the wreckage. Despite their efforts, the fire had already consumed much of the aircraft, complicating recovery efforts. Officials confirmed that Young was the only person aboard the plane at the time of the accident. He did not survive.

The sheriff’s office promptly notified Young’s family after confirming his identity. Community members in Kalispell have expressed condolences, remembering Young as a longtime resident of the area whose sudden death has left friends, family, and neighbors grieving. Tributes have begun to appear online and within the community as those who knew him come to terms with the unexpected tragedy.

As is standard procedure with aviation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances of the crash. The agency will work alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities to gather evidence, analyze wreckage, and determine what may have caused the small plane to go down. Investigators are expected to review weather conditions at the time of the crash, the aircraft’s maintenance history, and any communications that may have taken place before the incident.

The NTSB’s investigation is likely to take several months. Preliminary findings are typically released within a few weeks, but a full report with conclusions and safety recommendations often takes a year or longer to complete. For now, officials have not released information about the type of aircraft involved or whether Young encountered mechanical issues or other difficulties prior to impact.

The crash highlights the risks often associated with small aircraft flights, particularly in rural areas where airfields are commonly used for recreational flying and short-distance travel. While such incidents are relatively rare, they often result in fatalities due to the vulnerability of small planes compared to larger commercial aircraft.

Residents near Ferndale Airfield reported seeing smoke in the area shortly after the crash occurred. Some described hearing a loud noise before first responders rushed to the scene. The fire’s intensity served as a challenge for crews attempting to preserve evidence, though investigators will still be able to analyze components of the wreckage that were not completely destroyed.

For the Kalispell community, the loss of Bradley Young has brought home the reality of how quickly accidents can take lives. Friends and family are now left to remember him while awaiting answers from investigators. His passing marks not only the loss of a local resident but also a reminder of the fragility of flight and the importance of ongoing safety measures in aviation.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the swift efforts of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department and other first responders who arrived at the crash site. Their immediate actions, while unable to save Young’s life, helped to contain the fire and secure the area for investigators.

As the NTSB continues its work, the community waits for clarity on what caused the tragic crash. For now, the focus remains on supporting Young’s family as they navigate an unimaginable loss and honoring his memory within the place he called home.