BUTLER, Missouri — Twelve people are presumed dead after a skydiving plane crashed Sunday morning shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport.
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, went down at around 11:30 a.m. near Business Interstate 49.
The plane was unable to gain altitude after takeoff. It then made a sharp left turn before going down.
According to the airport’s acting manager, the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing on the highway when the crash occurred.
Family Members Watched It Happen
Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson called it a “mass casualty” event during a Sunday afternoon briefing.
A 911 call came in moments before the plane hit the ground.
When local law enforcement arrived, the scene was already engulfed in flames.
In a heartbreaking detail, Anderson confirmed that some family members of those on board were present and witnessed the crash firsthand.
“There’s nothing we really can say to make it better,” Anderson said. “We just pray for them and their loved ones.”
Investigation Now Underway
Authorities currently believe the crash was an accident, though the cause remains under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it is collecting information and will likely launch a team to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration is also expected to be involved.
Business Interstate 49 and the airport have been closed for an undisclosed period of time.
Local law enforcement will begin recovering and identifying victims once federal investigators complete their initial review of the crash site.
This is a developing story. If you have any information or were near the area at the time, share what you know in the comments below.
