12 Killed in Skydiving Plane Crash in Butler, MO
BUTLER, MO — A skydiving plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport claimed the lives of 12 occupants, including the pilot, on Sunday morning at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), emergency response units from the Butler Police Department and Bates County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene to assist. All 12 individuals on board perished in the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Pacific Aerospace P750 crashed shortly after takeoff, and no air traffic control services were operational at the time. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson characterized the aircraft as a “local airplane,” not a commercial operation.
Weather conditions were clear with temperatures in the low 70s and winds from the north at about 10 mph. Witnesses included family members of the victims, who were on the ground during the crash.
At a news conference held at 2:15 p.m., Sheriff Anderson labeled the incident a “mass casualty” event and indicated that notifications to victims' families were ongoing.
Authorities stated that Butler Memorial Airport will remain closed for an “undetermined amount of time,” and Business 49 Highway is expected to be closed for approximately two days while investigations proceed. The Bates County Sheriff's Office has advised residents to avoid the area surrounding Business 49 near the airport.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.