Small Skydiving Plane Crashes in Missouri, Killing 12; Families Witness Crash Moment

(Central News, Kansas, April 14 — International Wire Reports) Skydive Kansas City, the aircraft operator, announced that a small plane crashed today in Butler, Missouri, resulting in the deaths of all 11 skydivers and one pilot on board.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred near Butler Memorial Airport, approximately 100 kilometers south of Kansas City.

Skydive Kansas City stated, 'It is with great regret that all 12 individuals on board perished in this accident.' The company is currently cooperating with local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the ongoing investigation.

Dennis Jacobs, Emergency Management Director and Acting Airport Manager of Bates County, told Reuters that the single-engine turboprop aircraft took off at 11:20 a.m. local time but made a sudden sharp left turn before reaching visual flight altitude, crashing about 274 meters from the runway.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the aircraft was a Pacific Aerospace 750XL model.

Chad Anderson, Sheriff of Bates County, stated at a press conference that the incident appears to be an accident. Some family members of the victims reportedly witnessed the crash.

The NTSB announced that investigators will arrive at the crash site tomorrow. The final investigation report is expected to be completed within 12 to 24 months. (Translation: Chi-Chin Ling) 1150615

Stand with the truth. Every sponsorship supports the defense of press freedom.

Download the Central News 'First News' app to stay updated with the latest information.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.