11 Skydivers and Pilot Killed in Plane Crash Near Kansas City
11 skydivers and pilot killed in plane – Authorities confirmed that twelve individuals, including the pilot, died in a plane crash in Missouri. The incident occurred close to Butler Memorial Airport, which is approximately 60 miles south of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
State troopers and local law enforcement, including the Butler Police Department and Bates County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the crash site shortly after the accident. The aircraft, which was carrying skydivers, came down around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, with emergency crews reporting flames nearby.
“Air traffic services were not being provided at the time of the crash,” said Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing. “The plane landed in a field adjacent to the airport, but they’re shutting down the roadway as a precaution.”
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Pacific Aerospace P750, a single-engine turboprop model commonly used for skydiving. This type of plane is also employed for cargo transport, aerial surveys, and medical evacuations. It can accommodate up to 17 skydivers and is designed for short runway operations.
FAA records indicate the crashed plane was manufactured in 2010. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for the NTSB shared that the agency is currently collecting data to determine the cause.
Aircraft Details and Crash Context
The P750 model, known for its versatility, was involved in this fatal event. The Missouri State Highway Patrol noted that the crash site was near the airport, suggesting the plane was likely en route to a skydiving operation. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where the aircraft had come to rest in a field.
“The plane was taking people up to skydive,” explained Sgt. Ewing. “It’s a common use for this model, but no one could have anticipated this tragic outcome.”
With the investigation ongoing, details about the crash’s cause remain unclear. Officials are working to compile all available information to understand what led to the disaster involving the 2010-manufactured aircraft.
