Missouri community mourns deaths of 11 skydivers in plane crash: ‘It shocked everybody’
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- A plane crash in Butler, Missouri, killed 11 skydivers and a pilot on Sunday, devastating the Missouri skydiving community and Skydive Kansas City, the company involved in the operation.
- The aircraft, carrying nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and a pilot, crashed shortly after takeoff, nosediving about 300 yards from the runway, according to local authorities.
- Skydive Kansas City expressed deep sympathy for the victims' families and is cooperating with Butler authorities, the FAA, and the NTSB in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident.
- The NTSB has begun documenting the crash scene and will analyze radar data, weather conditions, maintenance records, and the pilot's medical history as part of their investigation.
- The tragedy deeply affected the local skydiving community, with many victims known personally by fellow skydivers, highlighting the close-knit nature of the group.
