BUTLER, Mo. – Recent findings from federal safety investigators reveal that engine failure was not the cause of a tragic plane crash during a skydiving event last month in Missouri. This accident, which resulted in the loss of all 12 lives aboard, included several experienced skydivers.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report stating that there were no significant mechanical issues or safety failures that could have contributed to the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff on a clear day.
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According to the report, initial inspections of the wreckage and flight records did not indicate any pre-crash mechanical malfunctions. In fact, investigators noted that the engine of the single-engine turboprop plane appeared to be functioning normally at the time of the crash, producing power as expected.
“I was surprised that they determined the engine was producing power,” commented Jeff Guzzetti, president of Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery, an aviation safety consulting firm. “Initially, I thought it might have been an engine issue, possibly leading the pilot to attempt a return to the airport.”
Further analysis revealed that fuel samples taken from the fuel truck showed no signs of contamination, and the flight records indicated that the aircraft was within weight and balance limits for the flight. Additionally, there were no concerns regarding the weather conditions or the pilot, who had over 4,100 flight hours and was well-experienced in skydiving operations.
Interestingly, the aircraft lacked a crashworthy voice or data recorder, which is common in commercial planes, but investigators did recover damaged GoPro cameras from the wreckage that may provide further insights.
The NTSB’s investigation is still ongoing, and final reports can take over a year to complete. The crash occurred on June 14, shortly after the Pacific Aerospace 750XL took off from Butler Memorial Airport, carrying a pilot and 11 skydivers.
During the climb, the plane made a gradual left turn, with both wings becoming nearly vertical before it crashed into a field and erupted into flames. This unusual wing position prevented the plane from generating enough lift to stay airborne, prompting further investigation into the circumstances leading to this critical failure.
The fire caused extensive damage to the aircraft’s structure, cockpit, cabin, and fuel system. Tragically, some family members of those who perished witnessed the crash while at the airport, including Jen Sharp, the technology director of the United States Parachute Association.
Skydive Kansas City, the operator of the flight, described the incident as a “devastating loss.” While skydiving accidents are rare, past investigations have raised concerns about maintenance practices and oversight in the industry. The NTSB has previously highlighted these issues, emphasizing the need for improved regulatory measures to ensure safety.
The FAA has yet to implement NTSB recommendations but has formed a committee to explore ways to enhance safety in skydiving operations. The United States Parachute Association asserts that Skydive Kansas City adheres to industry safety standards, including FAA maintenance requirements. In fact, the skydiving industry reports a strong safety record, with nearly 3.5 million jumps completed last year and only 16 civilian fatalities, primarily due to human error.
The ill-fated plane, built in 2010, had successfully completed two flights earlier that day and was well-suited for skydiving operations, certified for single-pilot operation.
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