Fatal Plane Crash in Missouri Claims 12 Lives
Eleven skydivers and one pilot were killed in a plane crash in the US state of Missouri, officials confirmed.
The aircraft, leased by a skydiving company, took off at approximately 11:20 local time on Sunday, according to a spokesperson from Bates County Emergency Management.
After failing to gain altitude, the plane executed a sharp left turn and crashed roughly 200 yards from Butler Memorial Airport, the spokesperson told the BBC.
All 12 individuals on board perished in the accident.
Details from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Pacific Aerospace P750 aircraft crashed during departure from the airport.
"Air traffic services were not being provided at the time," the FAA stated.
Investigation and Local Response
Local media outlets reported that first responders are currently inspecting the area to determine if any of the skydivers had jumped from the plane prior to the crash.
The city of Butler is located approximately 50 miles south of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident, as confirmed by the FAA.
The BBC has reached out to the NTSB for further comments.
