Butler, USA: Investigation into skydiving accident that killed 12 begins as witnesses come forward

Investigators have released more information about a US skydiving tragedy which killed 12 people on Sunday morning, local time.

A plane carrying 11 passengers and a pilot, crashed shortly after departing Butler Memorial Airport, with emergency crews rushing to the scene about 11.30am local time amid reports the aircraft was down and engulfed in fire.

All 12 people onboard died.

Now authorities are scrambling to determine what caused the crash, with an investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Local news outlet KMBC reported that NTSB investigators planned to remove the wreckage from the crash site on Tuesday.

The town of Butler is roughly 100 kilometres south of Kansas City and has a population of about 4300 people.

Theories circulating online

NTSB vice-chairman Michael Graham said everything was on the table.

However, it is understood there is no foul play suspected, and the crash has been ruled an accident.

An initial report is expected in about 30 days, while the full one could be 12-18 months.

In a statement to The Guardian, NTSB described the investigative process.

“On scene, investigators will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records,” it read.

“NTSB investigators will look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation.”

One theory circulating is an issue with the distribution of weight of the 12 people on the small plane.

Long-time pilot Robert Katz told KMBC he believed it to be likely responsible for the crash.

“What I think happened here in this case is that it was, if not a weight issue, a balance issue. If too much of that weight is forced into the tail of the airplane, then the airplane is going to be impossible to control on take-off,” he said.

NTSB said investigators would explore all avenues.

“We will always look at weight balance on any aircraft accident and try to determine if it was inside the envelope,” Mr Graham said.

Eyewitnesses of the crash will play an important role in piecing together what happened.

“They’ll be looking for videos and trying to actually interview those witnesses,” he added.

“Engine failure is definitely a possibility.”

‘They didn’t have time to jump’

A person who witnessed the crash, Bailey Reed, described what he saw to CBS News, saying the plane was “completely perpendicular” and “going fast” as it plummeted to the ground.

“The ground and trees around it exploded and it just lit up in flames,” she said.

“They didn’t have time to jump.

“They were so low to the ground the parachutes wouldn’t have deployed and there was no way anyone could have jumped and survived that.”

Soon after the crash, Butler County Sheriff Chad Anderson said a 911 call was made moments before the plane went down and that some family members of those onboard had witnessed the crash.

“There’s there’s nothing we really can say to make it better,” he said.

“We just pray for them and their loved ones, and their friends and their family and hope that they can recover to some sense of normalcy.”

Experienced skydivers among the dead

While victims have not yet been identified, tributes have been paid to some of those who died.

Butler Memorial Airport manager and director of Bates County Emergency Management Dennis Jacobs told KMBC the aircraft was carrying nine experienced skydivers, two tandem jumpers, and the pilot.

He said the plane nose-dived to the ground less than 300 metres from the runway.

Among the dead is Jen Sharp, who was technology director at the United States Parachute Association, skydiving’s governing body.

In a statement, USPA executive director Albert Berchtold described Ms Sharp.

“Jen was a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in our sport,” he wrote.

“Her loss leaves an unfillable void in our office, our community, and our hearts. We are incredibly grateful for the years of laughter, innovation, and friendship we shared with her.”

Since 1989, she has made more than 6800 jumps out of a plane and has taught skydiving instructors.

A ‘devastating loss’ for skydiving community

The company responsible for the trip, Skydive Kansas City released a statement, as published by local news outlet KY3.

“At approximately 12:00pm Central Time on Sunday, June 14, 2026, an aircraft operated in support of skydiving operations at Skydive Kansas City was involved in an accident shortly after take-off from Butler Memorial Airport (KBUM) in Butler, Missouri,” it read.

“The aircraft was carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot.

“Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident.

“This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community. Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and loved ones of all who were lost.”

The spokesperson said the names of the victims would not be released until next of kin had been notified.

“Skydive Kansas City is working closely with local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),” the statement continued.

“At this time, the focus of the management and ownership team is to assist investigators and to support the staff and the broader skydiving community. The entire team is in shock, and the community is close-knit.

“We ask for privacy as we direct all efforts toward managing this tragedy and remaining available to authorities as they work to determine the cause.”

In the month of June, the same plane had been used for 16 skydiving flights, which typically last about 20 minutes.