A heartbreaking tragedy has left families, friends, and the skydiving community in deep mourning after a devastating plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri claimed the lives of all 12 people aboard on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Authorities say the aircraft involved was a PAC 750XL, a New Zealand-built turboprop commonly used for skydiving operations. According to Bates County Emergency Management, the plane departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. as part of a scheduled flight operated by Skydive Kansas City.
Investigators reported that the pilot turned the aircraft back shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the plane crashed near Business 49 Highway in Butler, roughly 70 miles south of Kansas City. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 individuals on board—11 skydivers and one pilot—died in the crash.
Officials are still working to formally identify all victims and notify their families. Four of those confirmed or widely reported to have died include Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp. Authorities emphasized that full identifications will not be released until next-of-kin notifications are completed.
Preliminary reports suggest that Jen Sharp may have been participating in a coach evaluation jump at the time of the flight, though investigators have not confirmed the individual roles of passengers. Additional details surrounding the identities and purposes of the flight remain under review.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community and beyond, as loved ones struggle to process the sudden and devastating loss. Friends and family members are remembering the victims as passionate adventurers and valued members of their communities whose lives ended far too soon.
As investigators continue working to determine what caused the aircraft to turn back and ultimately crash, grieving families are left with profound grief and unanswered questions.
The victims are being remembered not for the tragedy that took them, but for the lives they lived, the memories they created, and the lasting impact they leave behind.