12 dead after skydiving plane crashes moments after takeoff in US state of Missouri; what exactly happened?

Twelve people lost their lives on Sunday after a small aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed shortly after taking off from Butler Memorial Airport in the US state of Missouri, authorities confirmed.

The accident took place near Butler, a city located around 60 miles south of Kansas City. Emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of a plane crash near the airport, but none of the occupants survived.

All occupants feared dead

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the aircraft was carrying 12 people at the time of the crash. In an update shared on social media platform X, the agency stated that all those on board were believed to have died.

‘At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished,’ the patrol said.

Reports indicate the aircraft turned back shortly after takeoff for an unknown reason before crashing near Business 49 Highway, close to Butler Memorial Airport, Missouri.
11 skydivers and the pilot have lost their lives. Thoughts with the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/nqUsJfu3Ms
— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) June 14, 2026

Local officials later identified the victims as 11 skydivers and the aircraft’s pilot. The information was confirmed by a spokesperson for Bates County Emergency Management in a statement to local broadcaster Fox4.

Crash occurred minutes after departure

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace P750. Preliminary details indicate that the plane went down while departing Butler Memorial Airport at approximately 11:35 a.m. local time.

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The FAA said the flight had 12 people on board when the crash occurred. Officials have not yet released details about what may have caused the aircraft to go down.

Investigation underway

The FAA noted that it was not providing air traffic control services at the airport when the incident happened. The agency also confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash.

Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight records and other evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly accident. Further information is likely to be released as the inquiry progresses.

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