Plane crash in Missouri kills 11 skydivers and pilot

A Skydive Kansas City aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler, Missouri, on Sunday around noon, killing the pilot and 11 skydivers, according to statements from the company and local officials. The company confirmed that all 12 occupants were lost and said it is cooperating with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and local authorities as an investigation proceeds.

County emergency management director Dennis Jacobs told KMBC that the plane was carrying nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers and the pilot, and that it nosedived about 300 yards from the runway shortly after lifting off. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson expressed condolences and described the incident as an accident pending further investigation.

Local skydivers said many of the victims were known within the community. One skydiver, Charles Crinklaw, said he personally knew several of those on board, including a parachute instructor who taught new coaches for the United States Parachute Association.

The NTSB said investigators would document the scene, examine the aircraft, and review radar data, weather conditions, maintenance records and the pilot’s medical history as part of the investigation.