12 killed in plane crash near Butler, Missouri

Twelve people were killed on Sunday, June 14, when a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler, Missouri. All 11 skydivers and the pilot aboard the aircraft died in the crash, which occurred near Butler Memorial Airport, approximately 65 miles south of Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the crash happened around 11:30 a.m. local time. The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, had just departed from the airport. Witnesses and officials described the plane struggling to gain altitude and making a sharp turn before crashing into a field adjacent to the airport. A witness reported seeing the aircraft engulfed in flames upon impact.

Dennis Jacobs, the acting airport manager and director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency, observed the events. He stated that after taking off and making a left turn, the aircraft appeared to lose power. In his opinion, the pilot attempted to reach a nearby highway to land, but the plane stalled, went down nose-first, and caught fire. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving calls about the downed plane. One of the main roads leading to the airport was closed in both directions as...