Missouri, United States: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found no evidence of engine failure or any pre-impact mechanical malfunction in its preliminary investigation into the fatal Missouri skydiving plane crash that claimed 12 lives last month, shifting investigators’ focus to other possible factors as the probe continues.
The accident occurred on June 14, 2026, when a Pacific Aerospace 750XL operated by Skydive Kansas City crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and 11 skydivers on what was scheduled to be the day’s third skydiving flight. None of the 12 occupants survived.
According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, the aircraft had already completed two uneventful parachute flights earlier that day before departing again at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time. Witnesses told investigators that the airplane climbed normally after takeoff before entering a steep left bank. Moments later, it descended rapidly in a nose-down attitude and impacted an open field roughly 300 yards (275 metres) from the departure runway.
The impact triggered a post-crash fire that destroyed much of the aircraft. Despite the extensive fire damage, investigators recovered all major structural components from the accident site, allowing them to conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage.
One of the report’s most significant findings is that investigators found no evidence of engine malfunction. The engine showed signs of producing power at the time of impact, and examination revealed no internal mechanical failures that could have prevented normal operation. Fuel samples collected from the aircraft were also found to be free from contamination.
The investigation further determined that the aircraft’s weight and centre of gravity were within certified operating limits at the time of departure. Weather conditions in the area were considered suitable for flight, and investigators found no indication that adverse weather contributed to the accident.
The pilot held the appropriate certifications for the operation, and investigators identified no immediate concerns regarding the pilot’s qualifications or medical certification during the preliminary review.
The aircraft was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or flight data recorder (FDR), nor was it required to carry either device under current U.S. regulations. However, investigators recovered several GoPro cameras from the wreckage, and the footage may provide additional insight into the aircraft’s final moments as the investigation progresses.
The NTSB noted that all findings released so far are preliminary and that no probable cause has yet been determined. A final report, which will include analysis, conclusions and safety recommendations if warranted, is expected after the agency completes its investigation, a process that can take between 12 and 24 months.
The crash marked one of the deadliest skydiving aircraft accidents in the United States in recent years. The victims included the pilot and 11 experienced skydivers, with ages reported to range from 23 to 69 years.
Neither the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nor the NTSB has indicated that a mechanical failure caused the accident. Both agencies continue to support the ongoing investigation, with additional analysis expected from examinations of recovered components, electronic devices and other evidence collected from the crash site.
The preliminary report does not assign blame or identify a probable cause. Instead, investigators will continue examining operational, human, mechanical and environmental factors before issuing their final conclusions.
