Butler, MO – All 12 individuals aboard a Skydive Kansas City plane that crashed shortly after takeoff are presumed dead, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Sunday near Butler Memorial Airport along Business Interstate 49. Witnesses reported the aircraft failed to gain altitude and made a sharp left turn before crashing.
Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the crash as a “mass casualty” event during a Sunday afternoon briefing, although he did not confirm fatalities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation and is believed to be accidental.
Authorities confirmed a 911 call was received just before the aircraft went down. Local law enforcement arrived to find the scene engulfed in flames, with some family members present to witness the event.
Highway patrol officers, along with the Butler Police Department and Bates County Sheriff's Office, are on the scene. Both Business Interstate 49 and the airport have been closed indefinitely.
The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information and is likely to deploy an investigative team. The Federal Aviation Administration is also expected to participate in the inquiry. Recovery and victim identification will commence once federal investigators complete their initial assessment of the crash site.
The FAA and Skydive Kansas City have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.