All 12 Feared Dead in Butler, Missouri Plane Crash
BUTLER, MO — All 12 individuals aboard a plane that crashed shortly after takeoff Sunday morning are presumed dead, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Butler Memorial Airport along Business Interstate 49. The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, failed to gain altitude, reportedly making a sharp left turn before crashing, as confirmed by Butler Memorial Airport acting manager Dennis Jacobs.
Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the incident as a “mass casualty” event during a news briefing, although he did not officially confirm the death toll. An emergency 911 call was received moments before the crash, which led local law enforcement to the scene, where flames engulfed the wreckage.
Authorities indicate that the crash may have been an accident, but the investigation is ongoing. Emergency response teams, including the Butler Police Department and Bates County Sheriff's Office, are on site. Both Business Interstate 49 and the airport will be closed for an unspecified duration.
The National Transportation Safety Board has begun gathering information and is likely to send a team to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration is also expected to be involved.
Local law enforcement will commence the recovery and identification process of the victims following the federal investigation's initial assessment of the crash site.
Both the FAA and Skydive Kansas City have not yet provided comments.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.