12 Killed in Missouri Plane Crash Shortly After Skydive Takeoff, Including Pilot and Skydivers

A small private plane carrying skydivers crashed in Missouri, killing all 12 people on board, including 11 skydivers and the pilot. The aircraft took off from Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday and shortly thereafter lost control, crashing into a nearby field and igniting a severe fire. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the incident as a ‘mass casualty’ event and confirmed that rescue and investigation efforts are underway.

According to the Bates County Emergency Management Agency, the crash occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. as the plane departed Butler Memorial Airport. Acting airport manager Dennis Jacobs reported that the plane failed to gain the necessary altitude immediately after takeoff. The aircraft initially turned to the right but then made a sharp left turn before crashing approximately 200 yards from the airport into an adjacent field, where it erupted in flames upon impact.

Eyewitnesses stated that after an engine failure, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a nearby highway, but the plane ultimately became uncontrollable and crashed. Sheriff Chad Anderson reiterated that the incident is being treated as a mass casualty, with ongoing rescue and investigative operations. Family members of some victims reportedly witnessed the horrifying scene from either a nearby arena or the airport. Officials described the crash site as extremely gruesome. Rescue teams searched the flight path for any skydivers who may have successfully exited the plane with parachutes before the crash, but none were found.