'They didn't have time to jump' - Witnesses recall skydiving plane crash

June 15, 2026

A skydiving plane carrying 12 people crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler, Missouri on Sunday morning, resulting in no survivors. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft descended at a steep angle and was too close to the ground for passengers to deploy parachutes or jump to safety. Federal investigators from the NTSB arrived at the crash site on Monday to begin examining the destroyed wreckage and collecting evidence, though some team members were delayed due to World Cup events in Kansas City.

Who is affected

11 passengers and one pilot aboard the skydiving plane (all killed, identities not yet publicly released)
Families, friends, and loved ones of the victims
Skydive Kansas City, the company operating the skydiving service
The wider skydiving community, including regular skydivers at the facility
Bailey Reed and other witnesses to the crash
Charles Crinklaw, a Kansas City skydiver who knew at least four victims personally

What action is being taken

NTSB investigators are visiting the crash site and documenting the wreckage
Investigators are gathering perishable evidence to remove to a secure site for analysis
Skydive Kansas City is working closely with the FAA and NTSB
The FAA and NTSB are conducting a federal investigation into the incident

Why it matters

This crash represents a significant tragedy for the skydiving community, claiming all 12 lives aboard in a single incident. The investigation is critical for determining what caused the plane to spin out of control shortly after takeoff, which could reveal important safety information for skydiving operations and small aircraft nationwide. Understanding the cause will help prevent similar accidents in the future and provide answers to the grieving families and the broader aviation community.

What's next

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days
A full investigative report will be completed in approximately 12 to 18 months
Remaining NTSB investigators will arrive at the scene once logistical issues are resolved

Read full article from source: BBC