Fatal Skydiving Plane Crash in Missouri Claims 12 Lives
BUTLER, MO — A skydiving plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including 11 skydivers and the pilot, authorities confirmed.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff. The victims have been identified by the Bates County Coroner's Office 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
Emergency responders arrived promptly on the scene, but all individuals aboard were pronounced dead. The wreckage is being examined; anything salvageable will be sent to Washington D.C. for further investigation.
According to witness reports, the aircraft experienced engine problems shortly after takeoff. Former NTSB investigator Jezz Guzzetti indicated that the altitude was insufficient for the pilot to safely turn back. Authority officials noted this is the deadliest skydiving crash in the last 20 years.
Concerns over FAA regulation of skydiving operations have resurfaced, especially given the agency's delays in implementing previous NTSB safety recommendations. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford emphasized the need for accountability and improved safety measures.
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in 30 days. The company involved, Skydive KC, reportedly meets existing safety standards.