12 Killed in Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash Shortly After Takeoff
A plane carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot crashed moments after taking off from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, killing all 12 occupants. The aircraft, a Pacific Aerospace P750XL, was operating for Skydive Kansas City when it went down in a field near the airport. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with preliminary reports ruling out engine failure.
Key Highlights
- Plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Missouri.
- All 12 people on board, including pilot and skydivers, were killed.
- The aircraft was a Pacific Aerospace P750XL.
- The crash occurred near Butler Memorial Airport.
- Investigations into the cause are underway.
- Preliminary reports indicate no engine failure.
A tragic aviation accident occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when a Pacific Aerospace P750XL aircraft crashed moments after taking off from Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri. All 12 individuals on board, comprising 11 skydivers and the pilot, lost their lives in the incident. The plane was reportedly operated by Skydive Kansas City and was en route for a skydiving excursion when it encountered difficulties shortly after departure. Witnesses reported that the plane failed to gain sufficient altitude, made a sharp left turn, and subsequently crashed into a field approximately 300 to 445 feet from the runway, becoming engulfed in flames.
Authorities, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler Police Department, and Bates County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene. Emergency responders were on site, but tragically, no survivors were found. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately launched investigations into the cause of the crash. The NTSB has since released preliminary reports that have ruled out engine failure as a cause. The reports indicated that the engine was producing power at the time of the crash and that the aircraft met weight and balance requirements. The pilot, described as safety-oriented and conservative, had accumulated over 4,100 flight hours and held a commercial pilot certificate. Security footage showed the plane taking off and then beginning a gradual left turn, with both wings eventually becoming perpendicular to the ground before the nose-down crash.
The victims included experienced skydivers, with some reports identifying individuals such as Nick Nash, Mike Shanahan, Dane Cordes, and Dustin McKinney among the deceased. Family members of some occupants witnessed the tragic event unfold near the airport, adding to the community's profound grief. Skydive Kansas City issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost, emphasizing their cooperation with the ongoing investigations.
This incident is considered one of the deadliest skydiving plane crashes in recent U.S. history. The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, and a final report on the probable cause is expected within 12 to 24 months. The NTSB has previously raised concerns about the oversight of skydiving operators, citing insufficient FAA regulatory systems in past investigations. The crash site at Butler Memorial Airport and the adjacent highway were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation. The small town of Butler, Missouri, located about 65 miles south of Kansas City, was deeply affected by the disaster. The investigation will examine various factors, including the aircraft's maintenance history, flight conditions, and pilot information, to determine the precise cause of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Missouri plane crash?
A plane carrying 11 skydivers and a pilot crashed shortly after taking off from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, resulting in the deaths of all 12 people on board.
When did the plane crash occur?
The crash occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, around 11:30 a.m. local time.
What was the cause of the crash?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the NTSB. However, preliminary reports have ruled out engine failure and indicated that the plane met weight and balance requirements.
What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft was a Pacific Aerospace P750XL, a single-engine turboprop commonly used for skydiving operations.
Who was operating the plane?
The plane was operated by Skydive Kansas City.