Investigators are working to determine why a skydiving aircraft turned back toward the airport before crashing near Butler, leaving no survivors.
BY PC Bureau
June 15,2026: Twelve people were killed after a skydiving plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday morning, authorities said.
The aircraft, carrying 11 skydivers and a pilot, went down near the airport in Bates County at around 11:30 a.m. local time. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), all 12 people on board died in the crash.
“At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished,” the agency said in a statement posted on X.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a plane engulfed in flames near Business 49 Highway. Officials said the aircraft had departed from Butler Memorial Airport as part of a skydiving operation before turning back toward the airport for reasons that remain unclear. It crashed moments later.
Authorities initially searched the area to determine whether any of the skydivers had managed to exit the aircraft before impact, but no survivors were found. Firefighters later extinguished the post-crash blaze.
The victims included 11 skydivers and the pilot, according to emergency officials. Their identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Butler, a small city located about 60 miles south of Kansas City, is home to Butler Memorial Airport, which serves as a base for Skydive Kansas City, a well-known drop zone in the region.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials have yet to disclose the aircraft’s type, registration number, or any preliminary findings related to weather or possible mechanical issues.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing confirmed that the flight was operating as part of a skydiving activity. Troopers assisted the Butler Police Department, Bates County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies in responding to the incident.
12 dead after plane full of skydivers crashes just after takeoff from Butler, Missouri on Sunday morning pic.twitter.com/OkjtuFFKKv
— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) June 14, 2026
Witnesses reportedly told investigators they saw the aircraft make a sharp turn before it crashed, though authorities have not confirmed whether that manoeuvre was linked to the cause of the accident.
The tragedy marks the latest aviation incident involving skydiving operations near Butler. In May 2024, another skydiving aircraft crashed near the same airport, but all seven people on board escaped safely after parachuting to the ground.
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Messages of condolence began pouring in from members of the aviation and skydiving communities, as well as public officials, including Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt.
The investigation is expected to include an examination of the wreckage, witness statements and any available flight data.
This is a developing story. More details are expected as investigators continue their inquiry.
