Aviation News – Twelve people were killed when a Pacific Aerospace 750XL skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, turning a routine parachute flight into one of the deadliest skydiving aviation accidents in recent years.
The aircraft, registered as N221BN, departed from Butler Airport before reportedly encountering trouble moments after becoming airborne. According to the airport manager, the pilot made a left turn and appeared to be struggling with a loss of engine power while attempting to reach a nearby highway for an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently stalled, plunged nose-first to the ground and burst into flames. All 11 skydivers and the pilot on board were killed, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
The Pacific Aerospace 750XL is a single-engine utility aircraft widely used in skydiving operations because of its ability to rapidly transport parachutists to altitude. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft may have suffered a power loss during the critical initial climb phase. Aviation experts note that engine failures shortly after takeoff leave pilots with limited options and little time to recover, particularly when attempting an emergency landing.