The crash that claimed the life of a pilot at Ryan Field near West Glacier on Tuesday occurred after the right wing of the plane clipped a tree, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.  

The federal agency's preliminary accident and incident report describes the plane, a Van’s RV-7, crashing under unknown circumstances after striking the tree while attempting a go-around at the airstrip in the afternoon hours of Aug. 12. Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said the pilot, the only person aboard the fixed wing single-engine aircraft, was declared dead at the scene.  

Emergency responders found the plane upside down at the end of the runway, Heino said.  

Authorities have not released the identity of the pilot. 

The aircraft is registered to Minden, Nevada-based Nevada Flyboys LLP, according to federal aviation records. The plane departed from Kalispell City Airport, which was the scene of a fiery airplane crash on Monday, earlier in the day, according to FlightAware. 

The RV-7 is a kit aircraft described by its manufacturer, Van's Aircraft, as an "all-around sport airplane." The aircraft can typically hold two pilots, 100 pounds of luggage and full tanks at 42 gallons, according to the manufacturer.  Kit-built aircraft are assembled not in a factory, but by the individual who purchased it.  

Tuesday's wreck marks the second fatal plane crash at Ryan Field this summer. Two Washington men died after their single-engine plane ran off the runway on July 26. 

National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Peter Knudson said the independent federal agency had dispatched personnel to Ryan Field to investigate Tuesday’s crash  

In fatal plane crashes investigators will inspect the aircraft at the scene before moving the wreckage to a secure facility. An investigation typically involve three focuses: the pilot, aircraft and the operating environment. Investigators review air traffic control communications, flight track data, weather reports, witness statements and aircraft maintenance records.  

Because the crash resulted in the pilot's death, Knudson said investigators will conduct a 72-hour background check on that individual. 

A preliminary report is typically available within 30 days, but a final report could take one to two years to produce. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].