Pilot and 11 skydiving passengers killed in private plane crash in Missouri
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Twelve people, including 11 skydivers and the pilot, died in a private plane crash near Butler, Missouri, shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday.
- The aircraft, a single-engine Pacific Aerospace P750 turboprop operated by Skydive Kansas City, appeared to lose power, stalled, and crashed nose-first near Business 49 Highway, catching fire.
- Multiple agencies, including the FAA, NTSB, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local emergency services, responded to the crash; the NTSB will lead the investigation, which could take over a year to conclude.
- Flight tracking data showed the plane had completed several successful flights in the days prior, and the model is commonly used for skydiving, cargo, and medical evacuation due to its short runway capabilities.
- The NTSB has previously criticized the FAA for insufficient oversight of skydiving operations, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the industry.
