Full Breakdown
Tragic Skydiving Plane Crash Near Butler, Missouri Claims 12 Lives
6/14/2026, 10:11:39 PM
Crash Overview
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, a single-engine turboprop crashed near Butler Memorial Airport, about 60 miles south of Kansas City. The aircraft took off, turned around for an unknown reason, and struck a field 300 yards from the runway at 11:20–11:30 a.m. Emergency crews reported the plane was on fire and the blaze was extinguished, confirming that all twelve occupants—eleven skydivers and the pilot—were killed. The site is adjacent to Business 49 Highway, which was closed to traffic. According to the airport manager, the plane could not gain visual altitude and made a sharp left turn before impact.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The crash involved a Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a 16-year-old single-engine turboprop built in 2010 that can carry up to seventeen skydivers. The aircraft was operated by Skydive Kansas City, a local skydiving provider. Butler Memorial Airport, serving about 30 privately owned aircraft, supports a skydiving season from March or April through October or November and includes crop-dusting and sky-diving operators. The Pacific Aerospace 750XL is also used for cargo transport, aerial surveying, and medical evacuation missions.
Response and Investigation
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, led by Sgt. Justin Ewing, coordinated with Butler Police, Bates County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board, which assumed lead investigative authority. Ewing said the flight was taking participants to a skydiving jump and that the NTSB is gathering information, expecting a multi-day investigation. The FAA is also on scene as part of the investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact departure time—some cite 11:20 a.m., others 11:30 a.m. The reason the aircraft turned around remains unknown, and investigators have not disclosed whether any skydivers exited the plane before impact. Victim names, ages, and hometowns have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It landed in a field adjacent to the airport, but I think they’re shutting down the roadway just as a precaution,” — Sgt. Justin Ewing, Missouri State Highway Patrol
- “At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished,” — Missouri State Highway Patrol (X post)
- “It’s horrible,” — Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and Bates County emergency management director
- “All lanes of Business 49 Highway near the airport are closed.” — Bates County Sheriff’s Office
- “The plane was a 16-year-old Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a single-engine turboprop plane commonly used for skydiving, cargo and medical evacuation flights, according to The Associated Press.” — Associated Press (cited by source)
What’s Next
The NTSB, with FAA support, will conduct a multi-day investigation. Business 49 Highway remains closed while investigators and emergency crews work at the site. Local officials have expressed condolences for the victims.
