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No Obvious Cause for Deadly Missouri Skydiving Crash
4 Jul
Summary
- Preliminary report found no engine failure or fuel issues.
- Weather and plane's weight and balance were not factors.
- Plane crashed near Butler Memorial Airport, killing all 12 aboard.
A preliminary investigation into a fatal skydiving plane crash in Missouri has revealed no immediate cause for the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its initial findings on July 3, stating that the aircraft experienced no engine failure and had clean fuel.
Further analysis by the NTSB determined that weather conditions did not contribute to the crash. The plane also adhered to all required weight and balance standards prior to takeoff. The incident occurred on June 14 near Butler Memorial Airport.
This single-engine turbo prop aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, was unable to gain sufficient altitude after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported the plane made a sharp left turn before crashing approximately 300 yards from the runway. Tragically, all 12 individuals on board, including 11 skydivers and the pilot, perished in the crash. The NTSB anticipates a full investigation and report will take several months to complete.