Twelve people, including a pilot and 11 skydivers, died when a private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday morning. The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, was a Pacific Aerospace P750 turboprop model, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Business 49 Highway, about 65 miles south of Kansas City. Emergency responders extinguished a post-crash fire, and authorities confirmed no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are investigating the cause, with preliminary reports suggesting possible power loss before impact.
Crash Details and Response
The plane took off from Butler Memorial Airport but turned back for an unknown reason before crashing in an adjacent field. Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and Bates County Emergency Management Agency director, speculated the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing after losing power. First responders confirmed no skydivers had exited the plane before the crash.
Investigation and Impact
The NTSB and FAA teams arrived at the scene Sunday afternoon to examine wreckage and flight data. The Bates County Sheriff’s Office closed Business 49 Highway indefinitely, disrupting local traffic. The Pacific Aerospace P750, manufactured in 2010, is commonly used for skydiving and can carry up to 17 passengers. Authorities emphasized the rarity of such incidents, with no immediate indications of mechanical failure or human error.
Community and Industry Reaction
Local officials expressed condolences, and Skydive Kansas City issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy. The crash has prompted discussions about safety protocols in skydiving operations, though no regulatory changes have been announced. The small town of Butler, population 4,300, remains on high alert as investigators work to determine the cause.