A skydiving plane carrying a pilot and 11 passengers crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, on Sunday morning, killing everyone on board, officials confirmed. The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. shortly after the aircraft took off for a scheduled skydiving outing.

Authorities said the single-engine turboprop plane, operated by Skydive Kansas City, took off and made a left turn before descending rapidly and striking the ground at a steep angle in an open field adjacent to the airport. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson indicated that the pilot appeared to be attempting an emergency landing, possibly due to a loss of power, but the plane stalled and crashed nose-first, igniting a fire. Emergency responders extinguished the flames, but all 12 aboard were killed. No evidence was found suggesting any occupants attempted to jump from the aircraft prior to impact.

Family members of those on board witnessed the crash, prompting a rapid response involving multiple emergency vehicles. Clergy and volunteers also arrived at the scene to assist the victims’ relatives. Authorities worked throughout Sunday to identify the victims and notify next of kin.

The aircraft involved was a 2010 model Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a plane commonly used in skydiving operations due to its cargo capacity and ability to operate on short runways. The plane had completed multiple flights on the days prior to the accident and earlier on Sunday, according to flight tracking data. Weather conditions at the time were reported as sunny with light winds.

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were present at the scene, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched investigators to oversee a detailed inquiry. The FAA stated that it was not providing air traffic control services at the time of the crash. Investigators plan to review radar and weather data, maintenance records, and the pilot’s medical history. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days, though a final determination of the crash’s cause could take a year or longer.

Bates County Emergency Management director Dennis Jacobs described the scene as “brutal” and confirmed the severity of the crash. Sheriff Anderson emphasized that the incident appears to be an accident and assured the public that there is no ongoing danger.

Industry experts have pointed to concerns over the regulatory framework governing skydiving operations. Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator for the NTSB and FAA, noted that skydiving companies are subject to the same maintenance and safety requirements as private aircraft owners rather than the more stringent regulations applicable to commercial airlines or charter services. Guzzetti cited a history of accidents linked to inadequate maintenance and safety culture within the sector. The NTSB has previously expressed concern over the FAA’s oversight of skydiving operators following a fatal 2019 crash in Hawaii.

Skydive Kansas City, which has operated out of Butler Memorial Airport since 1998 and specializes in tandem jumps and certification training, issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow over the tragedy. The company did not provide additional comments on the incident. The airport, which serves about 30 privately owned aircraft including crop dusters and skydiving operators, will remain closed while investigators work on the site.

The small town of Butler, located approximately 65 miles south of Kansas City, is mourning the loss amid an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.