A preliminary Federal Aviation Administration report issued Thursday night says the Cessna aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in the Blue Creek area south of Billings.
According to the report, the plane struck power lines, flipped and caught fire.Pilot, Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund, was killed in the crash.
On Friday, fellow commissioners Mark Morse and Mike Waters issued a statement, “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend and colleague John Ostlund,” and they shared highlights of Ostlund’s many years of public service.
They said county business would continue, including budget hearings set for the week of June 23.
The commissioners said they are in the process of filling Ostlund’s vacancy and will follow proper procedure. Morse and Waters commented there is no specific timeline to fill the vacancy, a list of names is being prepared by the Republican Central Committee and will be submitted to the board shortly. Ostlund had about a year and a half remaining on his fourth 6 year term.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said on Facebook: “Susan and I join Yellowstone County in mourning the tragic loss of County Commissioner John Ostlund who served his community for many years...”
Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen posted “Montanans’ hearts are with Yellowstone County in the tragic loss of Commissioner Ostlund, a dedicated public servant of the Big Sky State.”
The Republican was first elected to the county commission in 2002.
This story was updated to include FAA report