All 12 Killed as Skydive Plane Crashes on Takeoff in Butler, Mo.

BUTLER, Mo. — A single-engine turboprop aircraft operated by Skydive Kansas City crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport on June 14, 2026, killing all 12 people on board. The victims include the pilot and 11 skydivers, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Witnesses and airport officials reported that the aircraft — a PAC 750 powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine — made a left turn shortly after departure before appearing to stall and impacting the ground nose-first. The airport manager stated the plane appeared to be losing power prior to impact, which was followed by a post-crash fire.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a formal investigation into the accident. While preliminary observations suggest a loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver, investigators have not confirmed whether the initiating factor was mechanical failure, pilot technique or aircraft loading. An NTSB preliminary report is expected within approximately 30 days, with a full report to follow. Local officials are continuing to work on identifying victims as the recovery and investigation process remains ongoing.