Local News
Jen Sharp Among 12 Killed After Skydiving Plane Carrying 11 Jumpers and Pilot Crashes Near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri
BUTLER, Mo. — A devastating plane crash near Butler, Missouri, has left 12 people dead after a skydiving aircraft went down Sunday morning south of the Kansas City metropolitan area, according to authorities.
Emergency officials confirmed that the crash involved a PAC750 aircraft carrying 11 skydivers and one pilot. All 12 occupants on board were killed when the aircraft crashed near Business 49 Highway in Bates County.
According to Bates County Emergency Management, the private aircraft departed from Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Preliminary information indicates the pilot turned the aircraft around shortly after takeoff for reasons that remain unknown. Moments later, the plane crashed in a field near Business 49 Highway in Butler.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the pilot to reverse course before the fatal crash.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Jen Sharp may have been aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash while reportedly conducting a coach evaluation jump.
Officials have not yet released a complete list of victims, and investigators have not formally confirmed the identities of all those who were on board.
Authorities emphasized that information regarding passengers remains preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues and next of kin notifications are completed.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
Emergency crews spent hours searching the surrounding area to determine whether any skydivers may have exited the aircraft before impact. Officials later confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Authorities closed all lanes of Business 49 Highway near the crash site as investigators secured the area and began documenting evidence.
Federal investigators from the NTSB and FAA are expected to lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the aircraft’s condition, flight path, weather conditions, pilot actions, and any potential mechanical issues.
As of Sunday evening, investigators had not released a preliminary cause for the crash.
The NTSB will conduct a comprehensive examination of the wreckage, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and flight data as part of the investigation.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent Missouri history and has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community and the Butler area.
Officials continue working to positively identify all victims and notify their families as the investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.