12 Dead After Skydiving Plane Crashes at Butler, Mo., Airport

BUTLER, Mo. — Federal investigators are examining a fatal aviation accident that killed 12 people shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The aircraft — a Pacific Aerospace 750XL operated for Skydive Kansas City — crashed and caught fire approximately 300 yards past the runway end, according to Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson. All 11 skydivers and the pilot aboard were killed.

Witnesses and airport officials say the aircraft experienced a loss of power during its initial climb. Dennis Jacobs, an airport official, said the plane made a sharp left turn before stalling and striking the ground nose-first. Aviation analyst Jeff Guzzetti said the sequence is consistent with an "impossible turn" scenario, in which a pilot attempts to circle back to the runway after engine failure at too low an altitude to do so safely.

Investigation and Aftermath

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with support from the Federal Aviation Administration. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days; a final probable-cause determination typically takes 12 to 24 months. Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed no evidence of criminal activity. Victims included both experienced and novice jumpers, among them community member Jen Sharp. The crash is reported to be Missouri's deadliest aviation accident since 2004.