NTSB: No Mechanical Failure Found in Fatal Missouri Skydiving Crash

Preliminary Findings Rule Out Mechanical Failure

The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the June 14, 2026, crash of a Pacific Aerospace 750XL skydiving aircraft near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri that killed all 12 people on board — one pilot and 11 skydivers. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures in any engine components.

Analysis of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop engine revealed internal contact signatures consistent with the engine producing power at the moment of impact. Fuel samples drawn from both the aircraft and the airport supply showed no signs of contamination, and investigators confirmed the aircraft was operating within prescribed weight and balance limits at takeoff.

Investigation Continues

Security footage captured the aircraft lifting off from mid-runway before crashing approximately 300 yards away; post-impact fire engulfed the wreckage. Because the 750XL is not required to carry a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, investigators are relying on wreckage analysis and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events. The NTSB stressed that the preliminary report does not identify a probable cause, and a final report — which may examine operational factors and pilot technique — is expected within several months to a year.