Plane crash kills 12 people in one of the deadliest US skydiving incidents in decades

Published
June 15, 2026
Location
Butler, Missouri
Butler Memorial Airport
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Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Butler Missouri in Butler, Missouri: A single‐engine turboprop plane operated by Skydive Kansas City crashed moments after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in western Missouri, killing the pilot and 11 passengers who were preparing to skydive. The aircraft failed to reach an altitude of 100-200 feet, made a sharp left turn, and plunged about 300 yards from the runway before igniting in a field. Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Unnamed Pilot Driver Fatal
Unnamed Passenger Passenger Fatal

Original reporting

Plane crash kills 12 people in one of the deadliest US skydiving incidents in decades

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