BUTLER, MO— Twelve individuals lost their lives in a skydiving plane crash shortly after takeoff on Sunday, according to local authorities.
The airplane departed from Butler Memorial Airport and crashed minutes later, resulting in the deaths of 11 skydivers and the pilot. The Bates County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as follows:
- Kurt John Roy, 69, Windber, PA
- Michael R. Shanahan, 54, Kansas City, MO
- David Hershberger, 54, Liberty, MO
- Sai Karthik Varma Datla, 24, India
- Matthew Swope, 39, Independence, MO
- Dustin McKinney, 44, Stilwell, KS
- Jennifer L. Sharp, 55, Grand Junction, CO
- Blake Thacker, 25, Olathe, KS
- Marcus Miller, 30, Lawrence, KS
- Nicholas Nash, 40, Harrisonville, MO
- William Fischer, 23, De Soto, KS
- Dane Cordes, 26, Richmond, MO
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began their investigation at the crash site on Monday, interviewing witnesses and examining debris. Any recoverable evidence will be sent to Washington D.C. for analysis.
Authorities reported that witnesses indicated an engine problem occurred shortly after takeoff. Former NTSB investigator Jezz Guzzetti highlighted concerns about altitude, suggesting the pilot may have been unable to safely execute a turn back to the airport.
The crash is noted as the deadliest skydiving incident in the past two decades, raising questions regarding FAA oversight of skydiving operations, which are less regulated than commercial airlines. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, representing Missouri's 4th Congressional District, expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of skydivers, emphasizing the need for accountability in regulatory actions.
The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days. The company involved, Skydive KC, is reported to be compliant with safety standards set by the U.S. Parachute Association.