Several experienced skydivers lost their lives when a plane crashed shortly after taking off from a Missouri airfield. Federal investigators are examining the crash site, located approximately an hour south of Kansas City, following the accident that claimed the lives of a pilot and 11 skydivers. This tragic event occurred when the plane slammed into a field and caught fire, leading to the deaths of all aboard, according to authorities.
Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson reported that some family members of the victims were present at the airport to witness the jump and saw the crash unfold. While the names of those who perished have not been released by authorities, tributes have started pouring in from friends and colleagues.
The United States Parachute Association confirmed that Jen Sharp, their technology director, was among the victims. Albert Berchtold, the organization’s executive director, praised Sharp’s passion for skydiving and her dedication to others in the sport. Sharp’s impressive career included teaching skydiving instructors, authoring educational materials, and completing 6,800 jumps since 1989. Her notable accomplishments included jumping into Denver’s Coors Field dressed as the queen of England and participating in the Everest Skydive in the Himalayas.
Kevin Payne, a fellow skydiver, expressed his sorrow, emphasizing the unique bond shared among those involved in skydiving. He highlighted the sense of joy, peace, and freedom that the sport offers, a feeling that he believes is difficult for those who remain earthbound to comprehend.
The National Transportation Safety Board expects to issue a preliminary report in about a month. Weather does not appear to have been a contributing factor. Investigators have begun interviewing witnesses, but have not yet spoken to the company’s owner. Michael Graham, NTSB Vice Chairman, stated that the plane lacked a “black box” usually found on commercial aircraft, but investigators will search the wreckage for other clues.
Witnesses reported the plane was roughly 100 feet from the ground when it suddenly veered left before crashing. The pilot may have been attempting to reach a highway to land when it stalled and crashed nose first, according to Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager at Butler Memorial Airport. Graham noted that investigations are still in the early stages, with ongoing witness interviews and evidence collection.
Skydive Kansas City operated the plane, and the crash site is in Butler, a small town located 65 miles south of Kansas City. The company’s statement expressed shock and extended sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.
The Pacific Aerospace 750XL, a single-engine turboprop plane used in skydiving for its ability to quickly reach jumping altitudes using short runways, had made nine successful flights prior to the accident. FlightAware data shows the plane conducted two flights on the Sunday morning preceding the crash.
The NTSB has raised concerns in past investigations about inadequate oversight and inspections of skydiving operators. Despite NTSB recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration has yet to implement changes but has formed a committee to propose safety improvements. Graham expressed frustration over the FAA’s inaction, noting that past oversight failures contributed to accidents.
The FAA claims its inspectors conduct annual checks on skydiving businesses, ensuring compliance with safety standards for aircraft and pilots. However, the NTSB previously criticized the inspections for missing issues like a twisted wing on a plane that later crashed in Hawaii in 2019, killing 11 people. Skydiving businesses, adhering to FAA rules for small planes, are required to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance protocols.
The United States Parachute Association affirms that Skydive Kansas City follows global safety standards and FAA maintenance requirements. The skydiving industry maintains a strong safety record, with nearly 3.5 million jumps completed last year and 16 civilian fatalities, mostly due to human error.
Reporters Kristen M. Hall, Cathy Bussewitz, Rebecca Boone, and Hannah Fingerhut contributed additional information to the Associated Press.