Investigators are struggling to determine the cause of a fatal plane crash that killed 11 skydivers and the pilot on June 14 in Butler, Missouri. A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday indicated no major safety failures or mechanical malfunctions prior to the incident.
The Pacific Aerospace Limited 750XL aircraft went down minutes after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport, subsequently bursting into flames. The NTSB report noted that the engine showed signs of developing power at the time of impact, and there were no indications of issues with any engine components.
The plane had completed two earlier trips that day, with 19 passengers successfully completing their jumps. The aircraft met weight and balance limitations, and there were no concerns raised about the pilot, identified as Kurt John Roy. Roy had over 4,100 flight hours and underwent his most recent flight review in October. He was described by Skydive Kansas City as safety-oriented and conservative in his decision-making as a jump pilot. He had also prepared wind speed and direction information for the flight.
A post-accident examination of fuel from the fuel truck revealed it to be clean, with no sediment or debris detected. Several damaged GoPro cameras were recovered from the crash site and sent to an NTSB laboratory for analysis.
The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, but investigators noted that such equipment is not required for parachute jump flights, which also do not require FAA-issued operating certificates, operations specifications, or FAA-approved training and maintenance.
Security video footage from a nearby hangar showed the plane making a gradual left turn shortly after departing at 11:25 a.m. The aircraft's wings became perpendicular to the ground before it crashed in a field. The impact caused the plane to erupt in flames.
The victims included skydivers of varying experience levels, with nine being experienced jumpers and two participating in tandem jumps. Among the deceased were Jen Sharp, 55, a veteran skydiver since 1989; Dustin McKinney, 44, a videographer for Skydive Kansas City; Matthew Swope, 39, a systems engineer and experienced skydiver; and Dane Cordes, 26, an arborist who had recently started his own business.
Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency, suggested at the time that the pilot might have been attempting an emergency landing due to power loss, possibly stalling the aircraft before impact. He described the crash scene as "brutal."
The NTSB emphasized that the information released is preliminary and subject to change, with a final report potentially taking a year or more to complete.