Indian Techie Among 12 Fatalities in Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash
A tragic skydiving plane crash in Butler, Missouri, killed all 12 people on board, including a 24-year-old Indian technology professional, Sai Karthik Varma Datla. The Pacific Aerospace P750XL, operated by Skydive Kansas City, crashed shortly after take-off on Sunday, June 14, 2026. US aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Key Highlights
- 12 people, including an Indian techie, died in a Missouri plane crash.
- 24-year-old Sai Karthik Varma Datla was the Indian victim.
- The skydiving plane crashed shortly after take-off in Butler, Missouri.
- The aircraft was a Pacific Aerospace P750XL operated by Skydive Kansas City.
- NTSB and FAA are investigating one of the deadliest US skydiving incidents.
- Family members of victims witnessed the devastating accident.
A tragic skydiving plane crash on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Butler, Missouri, claimed the lives of all 12 individuals on board, including a 24-year-old Indian technology professional, Sai Karthik Varma Datla. The incident occurred shortly after the Pacific Aerospace P750XL aircraft departed from Butler Memorial Airport, approximately 60 to 80 miles south of Kansas City.
Sai Karthik Varma Datla, identified as the only Indian national among the deceased, hailed from the Bhimavaram District in Andhra Pradesh, India. He had moved to the United States for higher education, completing his studies at the University of Central Missouri, and was working as a technology professional in the healthcare sector in the Kansas City metropolitan area, specializing in cloud computing, DevOps engineering, and IT infrastructure.
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, was carrying nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and the pilot when it crashed around 11:30 a.m. local time. Witnesses reported that the plane appeared to lose power and make a sharp left turn, seemingly attempting to return to the airport, before plummeting into a nearby field and erupting into flames. The impact was described as devastating, with the plane shattering upon hitting the ground, leaving no chance for anyone on board to deploy parachutes.
The crash was particularly heartbreaking as some family members of the victims were present at the airport, waiting to watch their loved ones jump, and tragically witnessed the fatal descent. The Bates County Sheriff, Chad Anderson, confirmed the emotional toll on the families.
This incident is considered one of the deadliest skydiving accidents in the United States in decades. The close-knit skydiving community, both locally and across the Midwest, is profoundly affected by the loss. Among the other victims was Jen Sharp, the technology director of the United States Parachute Association, an experienced skydiver with over 6,800 jumps, widely respected within the sport.
Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the crash to determine its exact cause. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, but a final report on the probable cause could take 12 to 24 months. Investigators will examine various factors, including the mechanical condition of the aircraft, engine performance, pilot training, and FAA oversight of the skydiving operation. The plane, a 2010 model, is not required to have a black box or cockpit recorder, which may complicate the investigation. The NTSB has previously raised concerns about insufficient oversight of skydiving operators in prior crash investigations.
The tragedy has garnered significant attention in India due to the involvement of Sai Karthik Varma Datla, highlighting the global impact of such incidents. Friends and community members remember him as an ambitious young professional who sought higher education and a successful career in technology in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the skydiving plane crash occur?
The skydiving plane crash occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, near Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, USA.
How many people were killed in the Missouri plane crash?
A total of 12 people were killed in the crash, including 11 skydivers (among them two tandem jumpers) and the pilot.
Who was the Indian techie among the victims?
The Indian techie among the victims was 24-year-old Sai Karthik Varma Datla, who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, India, and worked in the healthcare technology sector in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
What type of aircraft was involved in the accident?
The aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace P750XL, a single-engine turboprop plane commonly used for skydiving operations, operated by Skydive Kansas City.
What is the current status of the investigation into the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation. While preliminary findings are expected soon, a final report detailing the probable cause could take 12 to 24 months.