BUTLER, MO. – A plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. has left all 12 people on board presumed dead, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, failed to gain altitude and made a sharp left turn before crashing near Business Interstate 49. Witnesses reportedly observed the plane engulfed in flames following the incident.
Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson characterized the crash as a “mass casualty” event but refrained from officially confirming fatalities. The cause remains under investigation, though preliminary indications suggest it was an accident.
Authorities report that a 911 call came in shortly before the aircraft went down. Local law enforcement, including the Butler Police Department and Bates County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene. Both Business Interstate 49 and the airport will remain closed for an undisclosed period.
The National Transportation Safety Board is in the process of gathering information and is expected to deploy a team to investigate. The Federal Aviation Administration is also anticipated to participate in the inquiry.
Sheriff Anderson stated that victim recovery and identification will commence once federal investigators conclude their initial site assessment.
The FAA and Skydive Kansas City have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.