Missouri: A skydiving aircraft crash in Butler, Missouri, killed all 12 people on board, including 11 skydivers and a pilot, on Sunday, according to officials and operator Skydive Kansas City.
The aircraft went down near Butler Memorial Airport, around 60 miles south of Kansas City, shortly after takeoff.
Authorities said the single-engine turboprop Pacific Aerospace P750XL took off around 11:20 a.m. local time but failed to gain altitude, made a sharp left turn, and crashed about 200–300 yards from the runway.
Footage of the crash site just off of Business 49 Highway in Missouri. The casualties include 11 skydivers and a pilot. pic.twitter.com/Hg45QyLQuZ
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The plane was engulfed in flames upon impact. Bates County officials declared the incident a mass casualty event.
Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson said the aircraft was a local skydiving plane, not a commercial airliner, and family members of some victims witnessed the crash. Emergency crews, including fire departments and coroners, responded immediately after an emergency call made shortly before 11:30 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft type and said air traffic services were not being provided at the time due to the airspace category.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with officials expected to arrive on site on Monday. A preliminary cause has not been determined, though early reports suggest possible power issues.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin. A final investigative report is expected in 12–24 months.
