Deadly Plane Crash in Missouri: Investigation Underway

On Sunday, a tragic accident occurred as a private plane crash claimed the lives of 11 skydivers and the pilot shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri, approximately 60 miles south of Kansas City. Witness Bailey Reed described the horrifying scene, noting that the plane impacted the ground and shattered upon collision. Reed observed the plane’s position, stating, “It was completely perpendicular with the wings to the sky, to the ground, going fast. And then they just hit the ground.” The crash resulted in an explosion and fire engulfing the surrounding area.

According to Reed, the passengers had no chance to deploy their parachutes due to the plane’s proximity to the ground. “They didn’t have time to jump,” Reed told CBS News. “They were so low to the ground the parachutes wouldn’t have deployed and there was no way anyone could have jumped and survived that.” Family members present to support their loved ones during the skydiving event witnessed the tragic event firsthand. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to them. There’s nothing we really can say to make it better.”

Crash Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced an investigation into the crash. Former NTSB chair Robert Sumwalt emphasized the investigation’s focus on examining the plane’s mechanical condition, especially the engine. Butler, a small town, lacks a control tower at its airport, which prevented communication with the pilot.

Sumwalt explained, “Key to this investigation is going to be looking at the mechanical condition of the airplane itself, the engine.” The investigation will also assess the pilot’s training and FAA oversight, considering Skydive Kansas City’s operations are classified as a parachute operation rather than a commercial one, which often affects the level of FAA surveillance available.

Skydive Kansas City, the operator of the plane, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community. Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who were lost,” the group stated. They affirmed their commitment to aiding investigators and supporting both the staff and skydiving community, remarking on the community’s shock and tight-knit nature.