Full Breakdown
Deadly Skydiving Crash Near Butler Memorial Airport
6/14/2026, 10:22:25 PM
Core Event: Twelve Fatalities in Butler Skydiving Crash
On Sunday morning, a single-engine turboprop operated by Skydive Kansas City departed Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, and crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all twelve occupants—eleven skydivers and the pilot. The aircraft, a Pacific Aerospace 750XL, reportedly left the runway at approximately 11:20 a.m. (CNN) or 11:30 a.m. (Missouri State Highway Patrol), failed to establish visual altitude, executed a sharp left turn, and impacted a field about 300 yards from the runway near Business 49 Highway. Emergency responders arrived to find the plane engulfed in flames; the roadway adjacent to the crash site was shut down as a precaution. All lanes of Business 49 Highway were closed following the incident.
Timeline of the Crash
- 11:20 a.m. (CNN) or 11:30 a.m. (Missouri State Highway Patrol): Plane departs Butler Memorial Airport.
- Shortly after takeoff: Aircraft fails to establish visual altitude, executes a sharp left turn.
- Approximately 300 yards from runway: Plane impacts a field near Business 49 Highway.
- Emergency responders receive call, find aircraft engulfed in flames; roadway shut down.
- All occupants confirmed deceased; road closure implemented.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact departure time. CNN reports the plane left at 11:20 a.m., while the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates a departure around 11:30 a.m. No other factual discrepancies have been identified.
Official Statements & Responses
Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing confirmed that all occupants perished and described the scene as “brutal.” He noted that the aircraft landed in a field adjacent to the airport and that authorities were shutting down the roadway as a safety measure. Acting airport manager and Bates County emergency management director Dennis Jacobs expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it “horrible.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead on the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also participating.
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
- “It’s horrible,” — Dennis Jacobs, Acting Airport Manager and Bates County Emergency Management Director
- “At this time reports indicate all occupants (12 total) have perished,” — Missouri State Highway Patrol, X post
- “All lanes of Business 49 Highway near the airport are closed.” — Missouri State Highway Patrol
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB will conduct a full investigation, analyzing flight data and wreckage to determine the crash cause. The FAA will work with the NTSB on safety recommendations. Road closures are expected to remain until the site is cleared, and local authorities have not announced any changes to skydiving operations pending the investigation.
