12 Killed in Plane Crash Carrying Skydivers Near Missouri Airport
Published on June 15, 2026 at 1:45 PM by Edgar Naitha
Twelve people have died after a plane carrying skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on Sunday morning.
According to Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson, the aircraft went down at approximately 11:30 a.m. on airport property moments after departing from the airport.
Skydive Kansas City confirmed that the flight was operating in support of its skydiving business and was carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community,” the company said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who were lost.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 occupants of the aircraft died in the crash.
Airport manager and Bates County Emergency Management Director Dennis Jacobs said the passengers included nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and a pilot. He explained that the aircraft had just taken off when it began a turn before suddenly nosediving into the ground about 300 yards from the runway.
Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Skydive Kansas City said it is fully cooperating with investigators.
The company added that the identities of the victims will not be released until their next of kin have been notified.
“Our hearts go out to them,” Sheriff Anderson said. “There’s nothing you can say to make it better. We just pray for their loved ones, their families, and that they can recover some sense of normalcy.”
Federal investigators are expected to remain at the crash site for several days as they examine the wreckage and gather evidence.
