A tragic plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday claimed the lives of all 12 people on board, according to authorities. The aircraft was carrying individuals preparing for a skydiving trip when it went down, the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed to the Associated Press.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
Highway Patrol Sergeant Justin Ewing stated that the plane was transporting skydivers when it crashed around 11:30 a.m. local time. Emergency services received reports of a plane crash and subsequent fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, but Ewing described the scene as "brutal." The aircraft came down in a field adjacent to the airport, prompting authorities to close nearby roads as a precautionary measure.
Investigation and Aircraft Information
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash. The aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a single-engine turboprop commonly used by skydiving operators. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the plane was manufactured in 2010 and can carry up to 17 skydivers. It is also utilized for cargo transport, aerial surveys, and medical evacuation missions.
Local Impact and Community
Butler Memorial Airport serves approximately 30 privately owned aircraft, including those operated by agricultural aviation businesses and skydiving companies. Butler has a population of roughly 4,300 people, while Bates County is home to around 17,000 residents. Skydiving operations typically run in the area for eight to nine months each year, starting in late March or early April and continuing through October or November.
Authorities have not yet released details about the victims, including their identities, ages, or hometowns. The community is in mourning as the investigation continues.
