Missouri Parachute Aircraft Accident (2026)

Missouri Parachute Aircraft Crash, on 14 June 2026 Sunday, occurred near the Butler Memorial Airport in the city of Butler, Missouri, United States of America. The aircraft, which had taken off for a skydiving operation, crashed into a field shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 12 people on board, including the pilot. Authorities have described the crash as one of the deadliest parachute aircraft accidents in the past decade.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at approximately 11:30 local time on 14 June. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the aircraft took off at approximately 11:35. According to airport deputy director and Bates County Emergency Management director Dennis Jacobs, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude, made a sharp left turn and crashed about 300 yards from the runway.

The aircraft crashed into a field adjacent to the airport and caught fire shortly after impact. Dennis Jacobs suggested the aircraft may have experienced a loss of power. Authorities reported that a 911 emergency call was made shortly before the crash. Responding teams quickly brought the fire under control.

The aircraft was a single-engine turboprop operated by Skydive Kansas City. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was a Pacific Aerospace P750 and verified that there were 12 people on board. According to FAA records, the Pacific Aerospace 750XL model involved was manufactured in 2010 and registered to the Tennessee-based company SkyHi Aero.

The model is commonly used for skydiving operations but is also employed for cargo transport, aerial surveying and medical evacuation missions. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft can carry over 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms) of payload and can operate from short runways. According to Associated Press, the aircraft can carry up to 17 skydivers.

Skydive Kansas City has been operating since 1998 and operates skydiving businesses in Indianapolis and Wisconsin. FlightAware data indicate that the aircraft completed two short flights on the morning of 14 June Sunday, at 09:20 and 10:32, prior to the crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people on board the aircraft died. Skydive Kansas City stated that there were 11 skydivers and one pilot on board. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased until next of kin were notified.

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson, during a press conference held on Sunday 14 June, confirmed that the crash occurred immediately after takeoff and that some passengers were preparing to skydive. Anderson made the following statement regarding family members who witnessed the event: “Our hearts are with them. There is nothing we can say to make this better. We are praying for them, for their loved ones, friends and families, and hope they can somehow return to normal life.”

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, in a written statement regarding the incident, said: “We extend our condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragic parachute aircraft crash near Butler Memorial Airport today.”

A spokesperson for Skydive Kansas City described the incident as “a devastating loss for everyone” and extended condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died.

The exact cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA stated that air traffic control services were not available at the time of the crash. An NTSB spokesperson told CNN that investigators were expected to arrive at the scene on Monday.

Authorities conducted foot and drone surveys of the crash area to determine whether anyone had jumped from the aircraft before it crashed. No evidence was found of anyone exiting the aircraft prior to impact. Officials stated that determining the definitive cause of the crash could take a year or longer, pending the NTSB’s final report.