Skydiving plane crashes shortly after takeoff, killing all 12 aboard in Missouri
The Pacific Aerospace 750XL aircraft failed to climb after leaving Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday morning, making a sharp left turn before crashing into a field 300 metres from the runway.
The crash
The single-engine Pacific Aerospace 750XL, operated by Skydive Kansas City, was carrying 11 skydivers and the pilot when it went down around 11:30 a.m. local time on 14 June. The plane had taken off from Butler Memorial Airport, about 100 km south of Kansas City, but lost altitude shortly after leaving the ground.
At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished.
Witness accounts describe the aircraft turning sharply to the left before impact. Emergency responders received a call of a plane down and engulfed in fire, and they were able to extinguish the blaze quickly after arriving.
Victims and response
Bates County Emergency Management Director Dennis Jacobs confirmed that the deceased included the pilot and 11 amateur parachutists. No identities have been released, and the scene was described as extremely severe.
It landed in a field adjacent to the airport. The scene was brutal.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler Police Department, and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office secured the area and closed a nearby road as a precaution.
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an inquiry into the cause of the crash. The FAA noted that preliminary information indicated the aircraft was used for parachuting operations.
Sequence of events
- Aircraft takes off from Butler Memorial Airport with 12 people aboard.
- Plane fails to gain altitude, makes a sharp left turn, and crashes into a field about 300 metres from the runway.
- Emergency responders receive a call reporting a plane down and engulfed in flames.
- Fire is extinguished shortly after firefighters arrive; all occupants are confirmed dead.
With all 12 occupants deceased, the accident is among the deadliest small-plane crashes in the region in recent years. Further details will emerge as the NTSB examines the wreckage and flight data.
