A devastating skydiving plane crash near Butler, Missouri has left 12 people dead after a PAC750 aircraft went down Sunday morning near the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to authorities.
Emergency officials confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot when it crashed near Business 49 Highway in Bates County, resulting in no survivors.
According to the Bates County Emergency Management, the private aircraft departed from Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. on Sunday. Investigators say the pilot turned the aircraft back shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the plane went down in a field near Butler.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the sudden change in course before the fatal crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people on board were killed in the crash. Emergency crews also conducted searches of the surrounding area to determine whether any skydivers had exited the aircraft before impact, but officials later confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Jen Sharp may have been among those on board at the time of the crash while reportedly participating in a coach evaluation jump. However, authorities have not released a full list of victims, and identities are still being formally confirmed as next of kin notifications continue.
Officials emphasized that all information remains preliminary and subject to change as investigators continue their work.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community as families and loved ones await official confirmations and answers about what led to the deadly crash.
