Skydivers killed in Missouri plane crash found thrills and peace through jumping

Published
June 16, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Butler, Missouri
Butler Airport
Incident type
Aircraft, Crash

Summary

Car Crash Butler Missouri in Butler, Missouri: A single‐engine turboprop crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Airport in Bates County, Missouri, killing all 12 people on board. The aircraft was only about 100 feet off the ground when it made an abrupt left turn and lost power before striking the runway. All passengers were experienced skydivers or instructors who had been scheduled to jump that day. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into pilot experience and possible mechanical failures.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Blake Thacker Passenger Fatal
Kurt John Roy Passenger Fatal
Michael Shanahan Passenger Fatal
David Hershberger Passenger Fatal
Sai Karthik Varma Datla Passenger Fatal
Matthew Swope Passenger Fatal
Dustin McKinney Passenger Fatal
Jen Sharp Passenger Fatal
Marcus Miller Passenger Fatal
Nicholas Nash Passenger Fatal
William Fischer Passenger Fatal
Dane Cordes Passenger Fatal

Original reporting

Skydivers killed in Missouri plane crash found thrills and peace through jumping | KSL.com

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