Overview
- A single-engine Pacific Aerospace P750 operated by Skydive Kansas City crashed shortly after takeoff and struck a field near Butler Memorial Airport, officials said.
- The crash killed the pilot and eleven parachutists and occurred within sight of relatives and bystanders who witnessed the aircraft lose altitude and turn before impact.
- Witnesses and the acting airport manager reported a left turn, loss of power and an apparent attempt to reach a nearby road before the plane hit nose-first and caught fire.
- The National Transportation Safety Board assumed control of the investigation and will examine radar, weather, maintenance logs and the pilot’s medical records with a preliminary report expected in about 30 days.
- Local officials closed nearby roads during recovery, Skydive Kansas City says it is cooperating with investigators, and the accident raises routine questions about safety and maintenance practices for small skydiving operators.