Alabama Pilot Dad Mark Anderson and Daughters Lainey and Ellie Killed in Montana Plane Crash [PHOTOS]

Tragedy has struck a Huntsville, Alabama family after a small private plane piloted by father Mark Anderson crashed in the wilderness of Montana, killing him and his two teenage daughters, Lainey and Ellie Anderson.

Authorities in Powell County, Montana, confirmed the devastating discovery on Saturday morning, after launching an extensive search effort when the plane was reported missing Friday afternoon.

Mark Anderson — an experienced pilot — had been flying with his daughters and their family dog, Stella, when the aircraft reportedly went down in a remote wooded area.

Alabama Pilot Dad Mark Anderson and Daughters Lainey and Ellie Killed in Montana Plane Crash

The Anderson family’s home church, Monte Sano Baptist Church, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook as the search unfolded, expressing hope that the father may have managed a safe landing.

Sadly, rescue crews later located the wreckage and confirmed that all three family members were pronounced dead at the scene, local outlet WHNT reported.

The family had been en route to Polson, Montana, when tragedy struck.

Alabama Pilot Dad Mark Anderson and Daughters Lainey and Ellie Killed in Montana Plane Crash

Mark’s wife, Misty Anderson, survives her husband and daughters — left heartbroken by the sudden loss of her family.

The Powell County Sheriff’s Office has since turned the investigation over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine what caused the fatal crash.

“Our hearts are broken for Misty and for everyone who loved Mark, Lainey, and Ellie,” one family friend shared online. “They were a beautiful family who lived with faith and joy.”