BUTLER, Missouri — Community members in western Missouri gathered to mourn the victims of a plane crash that killed 12 people near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday, as federal investigators continued to examine the cause of the accident.
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, crashed shortly after takeoff near the airport, about 60 miles (100 km) south of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local emergency officials. Authorities said all 12 people aboard — a pilot and 11 skydivers — were killed.
On Monday, local officials, clergy and volunteers were assisting families affected by the crash, while grief counselors were made available through state agencies. Some relatives of those aboard witnessed the aircraft go down, according to Bates County authorities.
“Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident,” Skydive Kansas City said in a statement on Sunday. The company said it was working with local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The crash occurred at about 11:20 a.m. local time, according to Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and Bates County emergency management director. Jacobs told Reuters the single-engine Pacific Aerospace 750XL aircraft failed to gain altitude after takeoff, made a sharp left turn and crashed a short distance from the runway.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims. Skydive Kansas City said identities would remain undisclosed until next of kin had been notified.
Residents in Butler, a community of several thousand people, expressed condolences through memorial gatherings and messages of support. Local churches and community organizations were coordinating assistance for affected families, according to local officials. Details of planned memorial services remained unclear on Monday.
The accident drew attention across the regional skydiving community, where several of the victims were believed to be active participants in the sport. Community members and fellow skydivers shared tributes while awaiting further information from authorities.
The NTSB is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA and state authorities. Officials said the cause of the crash has not been determined. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, maintenance records and other evidence as part of the inquiry. A final report could take many months to complete, authorities said.
