US: 12 killed as skydiving aircraft crashes after takeoff in Missouri

Twelve people died when a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri, United States, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on June 14 at approximately 11:35 a.m. local time.

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At the time of the crash, the FAA was not providing air traffic control services.

The aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace P750, according to preliminary information from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All 12 individuals on board perished in the crash. The FAA noted that it was not providing air traffic control services at the time of the incident.

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The aircraft was carrying people for a skydiving operation at the time of the crash.

Sergeant Justin Ewing of the Missouri Highway Patrol told Al Jazeera that the plane was carrying people for a skydiving operation. He described the scene as "brutal" and confirmed that firefighters extinguished the blaze shortly after the crash. The aircraft landed in a field adjacent to the airport, prompting authorities to close a nearby roadway as a precaution.

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They were able to extinguish the fire shortly after the crash, he said, describing the scene as 'brutal.'

The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will spearhead the investigation into the cause of the crash and will provide further updates.

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It landed in a field adjacent to the airport, but I think they're shutting down the roadway just as a precaution.