Tragedy in Butler: Plane Crash Kills 12 Near Missouri Airport

On Sunday, July 17, 2023, a plane carrying eleven skydivers and a pilot crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri. All twelve individuals on board were killed.

Incident Details

The aircraft, a single-engine turbo prop operated by Skydive Kansas City, took off from Butler Memorial Airport around 11:20 a.m. local time.

According to acting airport manager Dennis Jacobs and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the plane was unable to gain sufficient altitude, made a sharp left turn, and then nosedived into the ground approximately 300 yards from the runway. Jacobs stated that the aircraft may have attempted to land on Business Interstate 49 before crashing.

Emergency responders arrived to find the plane engulfed in fire. The scene was declared a mass-casualty incident.

"There's nothing you can say to make it better. We just pray for their loved ones, their families and they can recover some sense of normalcy."
— Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson

Victims

The deceased include nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and one pilot. Their names have not been released pending family notification. The American Red Cross is on scene assisting with notifications.

Family members gathered at the airport and at a nearby electric co-op. A wife and sister witnessed the crash; the wife was originally scheduled to be on the plane but was not on the manifest at the time. Clergy and support staff were brought in to assist families.

Response and Investigation

Responding agencies include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler Police Department, and Bates County Sheriff's Office. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on scene Monday morning and is expected to remain for several days. A briefing from the NTSB is scheduled for Tuesday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately comment.

Business Interstate 49 is closed in both directions for an undetermined time.

No evidence of criminal activity or terrorism has been found. Investigators will work to determine whether the crash was caused by mechanical problems, human error, or another factor.

Statements

Skydive Kansas City stated: "This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community."

Gov. Mike Kehoe stated: "The State of Missouri will continue to provide all resources possible to assist."