Tragedy Strikes Butler, Missouri: 11 Skydivers and Pilot Lost in Plane Crash
Collision Details
Pilot and 11 skydivers dead after – Eleven skydivers and a pilot perished in a plane crash near Butler, Missouri’s airport on Sunday, according to authorities. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport around 11:20 a.m. local time, as the aircraft struggled to achieve visual altitude and executed a sudden left turn before impacting the ground approximately 300 yards from the runway.
Response and Investigation
Emergency personnel conducted a thorough examination of the crash site using both foot patrols and drones, searching for survivors. However, no individuals managed to exit the plane prior to the impact, as noted by Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and Bates County emergency management director. The National Transportation Safety Board has been tasked with investigating the crash, and the Federal Aviation Administration has been informed of the incident.
“It landed in a field adjacent to the airport, but I think they’re shutting down the roadway just as a precaution,” said Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing, adding that emergency responders received a call about the downed plane shortly after the crash.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL, was manufactured in 2010. While primarily used for skydiving, it has also served purposes such as cargo transport, aerial surveying, and medical evacuation flights. According to FAA records, the model is capable of accommodating up to 17 skydivers and is designed for operations on short runways.
Location and Context
Butler, located about 65 miles south of Kansas City, Missouri, remains the scene of ongoing coordination efforts. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting families who have arrived at the site, alongside the Butler Police Department and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office. This incident marks the latest in a series of eight fatal skydiving-related aircraft crashes over the past decade, which have resulted in 25 total fatalities, as reported by the US Parachute Association.
The victims have not yet been publicly identified, as family notifications are still pending. “It’s horrible,” Jacobs remarked, reflecting on the tragedy. The story continues to unfold as investigators gather more details about the circumstances leading to the crash.
