A heartbreaking tragedy has left families, friends, and the skydiving community in deep mourning after a devastating plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri claimed the lives of all 12 people aboard on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Authorities say the aircraft involved in the crash was a PAC 750XL, a New Zealand-built turboprop aircraft commonly used for skydiving operations. According to Bates County Emergency Management, the plane departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. as part of a scheduled flight operated by Skydive Kansas City.
Investigators said the pilot turned the aircraft around shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the plane crashed near Business 49 Highway in Butler, approximately 70 miles south of Kansas City. The Missouri State Highway Patrol later confirmed that all 12 people aboard the aircraft, including 11 skydivers and one pilot, were killed in the crash.
As authorities continue working to formally identify all victims and notify their families, four of those who reportedly lost their lives have been identified as Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp. Officials have not yet released the complete official list of victims, with additional identifications expected in the coming days.
Preliminary reports indicate that Jen Sharp may have been participating in a coach evaluation jump at the time of the flight, though investigators have not officially confirmed individual passenger roles as they continue reviewing flight records and operational details. Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, and Dustin McKinney have also been widely reported among the victims, but authorities say all identifications will remain unofficial until next-of-kin notifications are completed.
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community and beyond, leaving loved ones struggling to process the unimaginable loss. Friends and family members are remembering the victims as adventurous spirits, passionate individuals, and beloved members of their communities whose lives ended far too soon.
As investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to suddenly turn back before crashing, grieving families are left with overwhelming sorrow and unanswered questions. What was meant to be a day of excitement and adventure ended in one of Missouri’s most devastating aviation tragedies.
In the hearts of those who knew them, the victims will be remembered not for the tragedy that took them, but for the lives they lived, the memories they created, and the love they leave behind.
