Federal investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding a plane crash in Butler, Missouri, that killed all 12 people on board, including experienced skydivers, authorities said. The incident occurred Sunday shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport, approximately 65 miles south of Kansas City.

The aircraft, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL operated by Skydive Kansas City, carried a pilot and 11 passengers, all of whom were participating in skydiving activities. The plane reportedly made an abrupt left turn about 100 feet above the ground before losing power and crashing nose-first into a nearby field, where it caught fire. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, and federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) expect their final report to take a year or more. Weather conditions were not believed to have contributed to the accident.

Authorities have withheld the names of the victims, although family members had been present at the airport to watch the jumps and witnessed the crash, according to Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson. Kevin Payne, a member of the skydiving community who had recently jumped with seven of the victims, described the group as tightly connected, referring to them as a “sky family.” He emphasized that their passion was driven by a unique sense of freedom and camaraderie beyond the adrenaline rush commonly associated with the sport.

Skydive Kansas City issued a statement expressing profound shock and sorrow, extending condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The company acknowledged the loss as devastating for its team and the broader skydiving community.

The Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a single-engine turboprop widely used in skydiving operations, is valued for its capability to quickly reach jump altitude and operate from shorter runways. Flight tracking data indicated that the plane involved had completed nine flights over several days preceding the crash, including two on Sunday morning.

The incident also brings renewed scrutiny to regulatory oversight of skydiving operations. The NTSB has previously criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for insufficient safety oversight specific to skydiving flights. Skydiving businesses generally operate under the same FAA regulations as small private aircraft owners, primarily because their flights are usually confined within 25 miles from the departure airfield. This classification subjects them to less rigorous monitoring compared to charter airlines and other commercial operators. However, FAA guidelines require owners to adhere to manufacturer maintenance schedules.

The United States Parachute Association, which sets safety standards for the sport, stated that Skydive Kansas City complies fully with its requirements and FAA maintenance mandates. The association also highlighted the overall safety record of skydiving, noting that in the previous year, nearly 3.5 million jumps were conducted with 16 civilian fatalities, most attributed to human error rather than equipment failure.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing as officials continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews to determine the precise factors leading to the tragedy.