Federal report details Sen. Tim Sheehy plane crash near Ennis

ENNIS, Mont. — A preliminary federal report detailed U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy plane crash near Ennis on April 10, 2026.

The report said Sheehy was piloting the aircraft during a Part 91 instructional flight and was not injured. It said the flight was preparing for an upcoming checkride while practicing an instrument approach to Runway 16 at Ennis-Big Sky Airport.

Investigators reported the aircraft was descending through 8,500 feet mean sea level at about 12:10 p.m. local time when the pilot began slowing for landing. The report said the engine dropped to zero thrust as the aircraft slowed to 190 knots.

According to the report, the instructor advanced the throttle but the engine did not respond. The instructor then took control and slowed the aircraft to best glide speed while Sheehy began engine relight procedures.

The report said the engine did not restart. With limited altitude available, the crew made a forced gear-up landing in an open field rather than eject.

Investigators said Sheehy guided the instructor during the final approach and flare. The aircraft touched down uphill and came to rest about 500 yards beyond the touchdown point.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and both wings.