A 1960s Cessna 210 made a crash landing into the Polson Airport field fence just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, after losing lift as it made its way over The Shoe and Highway 93.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said the pilot followed all the correct protocols to glide farther but came down on the north fence, damaging the fence and plane. Barbed wire from the fence wrapped around one propeller and bent the plane's wing. 

The plane then skidded into the field, leaving tracks behind as one landing-gear wheel was crushed beneath it. Bell explained that the upward air underneath the plane was not carrying it, and it was basically just falling. There was only a slight breeze, and no weather conditions affected the flight. 

Bell said the department is unsure how high the plane was above Highway 93 as it crossed over, but it just missed the highway before striking the airport fence. 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Polson Rural Fire, City of Polson Fire Department, City of Polson Police Department and Polson Ambulance Services responded to the call. Bell said the pilot was walking and talking after he quickly arrived on scene, and no injuries were reported. The pilot's name is not being released at this time.

    The plane hit the north Polson Airport fence and skidded into the field, just barely past Highway 93. (Courtesy of City of Polson Fire Department)