12 Killed after skydiving aircraft crashes shortly after takeoff in Missouri
At least 12 people were killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, United States, authorities said.
According to officials, the aircraft, operated by a skydiving company, went down moments after departing from the airport on Sunday. All 12 people on board, including the pilot and 11 passengers preparing for a skydiving outing, were killed in the crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that the single-engine Pacific Aerospace 750XL aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude after takeoff before crashing approximately 300 yards from the runway. Witnesses reported that the aircraft made a sharp turn before going down.
Local authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
The victims' identities have not been released pending notification of their families. Authorities said grief counselors are assisting relatives, some of whom reportedly witnessed the crash from the ground.
The crash occurred near Butler, a town located about 60 miles south of Kansas City. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance records, flight data, and other factors as part of the probe.
