NTSB Preliminary Report on Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash
Federal safety investigators have released a preliminary report on a plane crash that occurred last month in Missouri, killing all 12 aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found no indication of engine failure as the cause of the fiery crash during a skydiving outing.
The NTSB’s report, issued Thursday, did not identify any other severe safety or mechanical issues that might have led to the crash. It took place shortly after takeoff on a clear day. Initial inspections of the wreckage and flight records revealed no precrash mechanical malfunctions or engine failures that could have affected normal plane operation.
Jeff Guzzetti, president of Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery, expressed surprise at the NTSB’s findings that the plane’s engine was producing power at the time of the crash. He initially suspected an engine issue might have prompted the pilot to attempt a return to the airport.
The NTSB also reported that fuel samples were free of sediment or debris. Additionally, the skydiving business software confirmed the airplane met weight and balance limitations for the flight. Weather and pilot factors raised no concerns. The pilot had accumulated over 4,100 total flight hours and was in his second consecutive jump season with Skydive Kansas City.
Investigators noted the absence of a crashworthy voice or data recorder on the plane, which was not required. Despite this, damaged GoPro cameras were recovered from the wreckage. The investigation continues, and a final report usually takes over a year to complete.
The crash occurred on June 14, about an hour south of Kansas City. A Pacific Aerospace 750XL carrying a pilot and 11 skydivers took off from Butler Memorial Airport at 11:25 a.m. on a clear day. During the climb, the plane began a gradual left turn, with the wings becoming almost perpendicular to the ground. It crashed nose down into a field and burst into flames.
Wing orientation prevented enough aerodynamic lift to keep the plane airborne. The NTSB will investigate why this occurred. The fire caused extensive damage to the aircraft’s major structural components, cockpit, cabin, and fuel system.
Some family members witnessed the crash while at the airport to watch the jump. The United States Parachute Association confirmed that Jen Sharp, its technology director, was among those killed. Skydive Kansas City described the incident as a devastating loss.
Poor maintenance often contributes to skydiving plane crashes. The NTSB has previously flagged weak oversight for skydiving operators. In a 2019 crash that killed 11 in Hawaii, the agency noted the FAA’s regulatory system lacked strength to ensure skydiving flight safety.
The FAA has yet to adopt NTSB recommendations but established a committee in April to suggest ways to enhance skydiving safety. They will consider safety board proposals. The United States Parachute Association stated that Skydive Kansas City adheres to world-leading safety standards, meeting FAA maintenance requirements.
The skydiving industry claims a strong safety record, with 3.5 million jumps completed last year, resulting in 16 civilian deaths, primarily due to human error.
The crashed plane, built in 2010, had made two successful flights earlier that morning. It is popular for skydiving and certified for operation by a single pilot.