Twelve people are presumed dead after a small skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Butler, Missouri, on Sunday morning. The plane went down near Butler Memorial Airport, and authorities say it likely turned into a mass casualty incident.
The aircraft was operated by Skydive Kansas City. Officials said it took off around 11:30 a.m. local time but was unable to gain altitude. It then made a sharp left turn before crashing near Business Interstate 49.
Authorities believe the pilot may have tried to make an emergency landing on a nearby highway. However, the aircraft went down before reaching a safe landing area, according to airport officials.
Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the incident as a serious crash involving a non-commercial flight. He later said all 12 people on board are presumed dead, although formal identification is still pending.
Emergency services responded quickly after a 911 call came in just moments before the crash. When first responders arrived, the wreckage was already engulfed in flames. Witnesses, including some family members of those on board, reportedly saw the aircraft go down.
Officials said the emotional impact on the local community is severe. Sheriff Anderson said there are no words that can ease the pain for families affected by the tragedy and urged support for those grieving.
The crash site was immediately secured by local law enforcement, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler Police Department, and Bates County Sheriff’s Office. Both the nearby highway and airport were closed as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Video footage from the area showed thick smoke rising from a field where the plane crashed. The wreckage was heavily damaged by fire, making early identification and recovery efforts difficult.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed any mechanical failure or pilot error at this stage, but they believe the incident was accidental.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it is gathering initial evidence and will likely send a team to the site for a full investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also expected to assist in the inquiry.
Investigators will focus on flight data, aircraft condition, weather conditions, and communications before the crash. Officials said recovery and identification efforts will begin after federal teams complete their initial assessment of the site.
Skydive Kansas City and the FAA have not yet issued public statements in response to the incident.
Local officials said the crash has deeply affected the Butler community, especially as some relatives of passengers were present in the area during the incident. The emotional toll is expected to continue as families await official confirmation and further details.
Authorities are expected to provide more updates once the investigation progresses and victim identification is completed.
