Is Montana The Most Dangerous Place To Fly In Small Aircraft?

When you think of Montana skies, you probably picture wide-open blue stretching as far as the eye can see, with maybe an eagle or two cruising by. Here’s the thing, Montana’s skies are gorgeous to look at but can be deadly. Flying here isn’t for the faint of heart, and the state’s aviation numbers show it.

Montana ranks near the top in the nation for small aircraft crashes, right behind Alaska and Wyoming.

I guess it makes sense when you think about it. We’ve got a lot of land and plenty of adventure-seekers who’d rather take the quick route over the mountains than around them. Add in unpredictable winds, sudden storms, and landing strips that look more like gravel driveways, and it’s clear flying here takes real skill and maybe a touch of daredevil.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there are about 1,500 licensed private pilots in Montana. That's one of the highest numbers per capita in the country. In fact, only Alaska tops us, which makes sense considering most of its towns aren’t connected by roads and small planes are as common as pickup trucks.

General aviation in Montana is a big part of life. From ranchers checking cattle to bush pilots hauling supplies to remote areas, it’s not just recreation, it’s a way of getting things done. But it’s also risky. According to national data, general aviation is far less safe than commercial flying, with hundreds of fatalities each year nationwide.

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Still, that doesn’t stop Montanans. It's part necessity, part passion, and part pure love of the view. Because let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like seeing the Big Sky from above, even if it comes with higher risks.