12 Killed in Skydiving Plane Crash in Butler, Missouri

Article excerpt

A skydiving plane carrying 11 passengers and a pilot crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, killing all 12 people aboard. The crash occurred during what should have been a routine jump operation. Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of the accident, though investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's mechanical systems and flight conditions. The incident marks one of the deadliest skydiving accidents in recent years. Federal aviation authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting the investigation.