Crews recover jet that ran off runway at Livingston’s Mission Field Airport

Livingston, Montana – A plane at Livingston’s Mission Field Airport went off the runway last week and came to rest in a ravine. Workers were available on Monday to retrieve it to disclose that it was stuck. However, the crew’s work on this cleanup took more than one day.

“It’s unique. You know, our airport out here is not busy,” says Hanser’s Tow Truck Operator Devon Pedersen.

Although Pedersen has worked for Hanser’s tow truck company for six years, he had never towed an airplane out of a ravine before Monday.

“It’s a lot different from hooking up a semi and taking it out of a ditch, you know—you don’t get this very much out here,” says Pederson.

On January 11, an airplane went off the runway at Misson Field near Livingston, and crews were there to tow it. The airplane plummeted 500 feet and came to rest in a gully. The two pilots were fortunate enough to escape the disaster unharmed. Not the type of rescue they are used to, the personnel from Hanser’s, a Billings tow truck firm, dragged the plane uphill on Monday.

“It’s mostly highway-related and, you know, in the city. But people get themselves in a lot of interesting situations,” says co-owner Shel Hanser.

The jet was being carefully pulled up the hill, taking some brush with it, and was accompanied by crews from Hanser’s, the airport, and an environmental organization.

“We don’t disrupt the environment any more than we need,” says Hanser.

Shel Hanser grew up witnessing the towing of automobiles, trucks, airplanes, and helicopters. He is currently a co-owner of Hanser’s, which his father began 60 years ago.

“My dad’s 80 and he got out of bed early today to come watch this, so it was kind of a fun deal for him,” says Hanser.

Although there were some difficulties, Hanser claims his team managed to maneuver the aircraft in the valley; he compares it to hauling a lorry off the highway.

“Whether it’s a truck on the side of the road or a plane like this, everyone’s different and unique,” says Hanser.

Pedersen claims that it was a unique day at work as he and the crew took images and recordings of the jet.

“I’d love to do it again. But, you know, I hope I don’t have to, but it’s kind of you know, I’ll just add it to my experience,” says Pedersen.

The aircraft, which is owned by the upscale charter flight firm Royal Air Freight, based in Michigan, will be flown to Colorado for an assessment. The cause of the crash is still being looked at by the NTSB.