Breaking: PAC 750XL N221BN Skydiving Aircraft Crashes After Takeoff
On the morning of June 14, 2026, a routine skydiving flight ended in tragedy near Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Missouri.
At approximately 11:27 a.m., a Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL skydiving aircraft departed Runway 36 carrying eleven skydivers and one pilot. Within moments of liftoff, witnesses observed the aircraft struggle to climb, make a sharp left turn and crash roughly 300 yards from the runway.
All twelve people on board were killed.
The aircraft, registered as N221BN, was operated by Skydive Kansas City, part of Bucket List Experience. According to preliminary reports, the airplane became airborne but never gained sufficient altitude before descending into a field and erupting into flames.
As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) begins its investigation, many questions remain unanswered.
A Tragic Loss for Families and the Skydiving Community
Before discussing the facts of the accident, it is important to acknowledge the human cost. The victims were not strangers passing through an airport terminal. They were members of the skydiving community, many accompanied by family and friends who had gathered to watch them jump. Instead, loved ones witnessed the aircraft crash moments after takeoff.
“Our hearts go out to every family affected by this tragedy,” says Ramos Law’s Director of Aviation Joseph LoRusso. “An aviation accident is devastating under any circumstance, but when families are standing at the drop zone waiting to watch their loved ones descend safely and instead watch the aircraft go down, the impact is unimaginable.”
As investigators work to determine what happened, twelve families are beginning a difficult journey through grief and uncertainty.
The Aircraft: Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL, often referred to as the PAC 750 or P-750 XSTOL.
Manufactured in New Zealand, the aircraft first flew in 2001 and received FAA certification in 2004. It has become one of the most widely used aircraft in the skydiving industry because of its exceptional short takeoff and landing performance.
The PAC 750XL is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine producing 750 shaft horsepower. The PT6 series has long been considered one of the most reliable turbine engines in aviation.
In skydiving configuration, operators can remove passenger seating and carry up to seventeen jumpers, making the aircraft an efficient platform for repeated skydiving operations throughout the day.
FAA records indicate N221BN was manufactured in 2010 and had been actively flying multiple skydiving sorties in the days leading up to the crash. No publicly available information at this stage has indicated a developing mechanical issue.
What Happened During Takeoff?
According to witness accounts and preliminary reporting, the PAC 750XL departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly after 11:27 a.m.
Witnesses reported that the airplane became airborne but never climbed normally. Instead, the aircraft remained low to the ground before entering a sharp left turn. That detail has immediately drawn the attention of aviation investigators.
“When a pilot makes a hard turn immediately after takeoff, investigators naturally want to understand what prompted that decision,” LoRusso explains. “Whether the pilot was responding to a loss of power, an aircraft performance issue or another emergency, that turn becomes a critical piece of the accident sequence.”
Several witnesses told authorities they believed the pilot may have been attempting to return to the airport or reach a nearby highway for an emergency landing. The aircraft ultimately struck terrain approximately 300 yards from the runway and was consumed by fire.
Emergency responders quickly searched the crash area, including the flight path between the runway and impact site, to determine whether anyone may have exited the aircraft before impact. No survivors were found.
Witnesses Describe a Desperate Situation
Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager at Butler Memorial Airport and director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency, described what he saw shortly after the crash.
“It had just taken off and made a left turn,” Jacobs told reporters.
He added:
“In my opinion, I think it was losing power and [the pilot] was trying to make it over to the highway and land and he stalled and went down nose-first and caught fire.”
While those observations may ultimately prove valuable, investigators caution that witness statements alone cannot determine the cause of an accident.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing emphasized that it remains too early to identify contributing factors.
“It’s not yet known what factors may have contributed to the crash. Those details will be part of the investigation carried out by NTSB officials.”
What Investigators Will Be Looking At
The NTSB and FAA have assumed control of the investigation. Over the coming months, investigators will examine virtually every aspect of the aircraft, operation and flight crew. Areas likely to receive significant attention include:- Engine performance and power production
- Propeller operation and control systems
- Fuel system functionality
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Pilot training and qualifications
- Company operational procedures
- Weight and balance calculations
- Aircraft loading before departure
A History of Skydiving Aircraft Safety Concerns
Although skydiving remains statistically safe, the industry has long faced scrutiny regarding maintenance oversight and operational standards. Unlike commercial airlines operating under Part 121 regulations, most skydiving operators conduct flights under Part 91, a regulatory framework that provides significantly greater operational flexibility. Past NTSB studies examining skydiving accidents have identified recurring concerns involving maintenance practices, pilot training and organizational safety culture. That history does not mean similar issues were involved in the Butler crash. However, investigators will undoubtedly examine whether operational factors played any role in the accident sequence.Potential Legal Questions Following the Crash
Beyond the aviation investigation, the tragedy may raise significant legal questions. Many skydiving operators require participants to sign liability waivers before jumping. However, Missouri courts have historically scrutinized such agreements closely. Under Missouri law, liability waivers generally must be specific regarding the negligence they seek to release, and courts often place the burden on the operator to demonstrate the waiver’s enforceability. Wrongful death claims may also involve legal considerations separate from waivers signed by the deceased. Additionally, because the aircraft was manufactured in 2010, issues involving the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) could become relevant depending on the facts ultimately uncovered during the investigation. The specific legal implications will depend entirely on the NTSB’s findings and any evidence developed through independent investigations.The Road Ahead
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within the coming weeks. A final report identifying probable cause will likely take between one and two years and potentially longer given the complexity of the investigation. For now, investigators face the difficult task of reconstructing what happened during the brief moments between takeoff and impact. For the families of those lost, however, the investigation is only one part of a much larger tragedy. “Twelve people left the ground expecting to enjoy a day of skydiving and never came home,” LoRusso says. “As aviation professionals and as attorneys, it’s important that we focus not only on finding answers, but on remembering the lives behind this accident. Those families deserve the truth, and they deserve compassion while this investigation unfolds.” Ramos Law Aviation will continue monitoring developments in the Butler Memorial Airport investigation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.N221BN Crash Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Pacific Aerospace 750XL Owner/Operator: Skyhi Aero LLC, operating as Skydive Kansas City Registration: N221BN Date: Sunday, 14 June 2026 Time: c. 11:27 a.m. local time Location: Butler Memorial Airport (BUM/KBUM), Butler, MO Departure Airport: Butler Airport, MO (BUM/KBUM) Phase of Flight: Initial climb Occupants: 12 Fatalities: 12 Aircraft Damage: DestroyedPAC 750XL N221BN Crash FAQ's
What caused the Butler, Missouri skydiving plane crash?
The cause of the June 14, 2026 crash has not yet been determined. Witnesses reported that the PAC 750XL appeared unable to gain altitude after takeoff and made a sharp left turn before crashing. The NTSB and FAA are investigating several possibilities, including mechanical failure, engine performance issues, aircraft loading, pilot procedures and operational factors. A final determination may take months or even years.
What type of aircraft crashed near Butler Memorial Airport?
The aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace PAC 750XL, registration N221BN. The PAC 750XL is a turbine-powered aircraft commonly used in skydiving operations because of its ability to carry large numbers of jumpers and operate from shorter runways. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine and is widely used by skydiving operators throughout the world.
How many people were on board the aircraft?
There were twelve people on board the aircraft, including eleven skydivers and one pilot. According to authorities, there were no survivors. Emergency crews searched the crash site and surrounding area but found no evidence that anyone was able to exit the aircraft before impact.
What will NTSB investigators examine during the investigation?
Investigators will conduct a comprehensive review of the aircraft, engine, maintenance records and flight operations. Areas of focus will likely include engine performance, fuel systems, propeller controls, pilot training records, aircraft loading and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. Investigators will also analyze witness statements, wreckage evidence and any available operational records from the skydiving operator.
Can families pursue legal action after a skydiving accident even if a waiver was signed?
Possibly. While skydiving operators commonly require participants to sign liability waivers, Missouri law does not automatically prevent wrongful death claims. Courts often closely scrutinize waivers and may require operators to prove that a waiver clearly and specifically covers the alleged negligence. Additionally, surviving family members may have legal rights that are separate from any waiver signed by the deceased participant.
About Joseph LoRusso, Esq.
Joseph LoRusso is the Director of Aviation at Ramos Law and a nationally recognized aviation attorney with more than 20 years of hands-on flight experience. A professional flight instructor and Airline Transport Pilot, Joseph brings a rare dual perspective to every case—combining deep technical aviation knowledge with strategic legal advocacy for pilots, operators and crash victims.
Joseph holds multiple type ratings, including Learjet, Citation, Phenom 300E, Gulfstream GV (SIC), and L382 (C130) (SIC) and has flown complex missions as an atmospheric research pilot, including NASA’s 2018 CAMP2EX global campaign. Whether analyzing aircraft performance, regulatory compliance or crash causation, Joe approaches every case with precision, credibility and an unwavering commitment to achieving results for his clients.
Contact Ramos Law
Ramos Law’s Aviation Division focuses exclusively on aviation-related matters, including aircraft crashes, FAA enforcement actions, certificate issues and complex regulatory and operational cases. The practice is led by attorney Joseph LoRusso, a licensed pilot with real-world flight experience and deep knowledge of aviation regulations.
Our team understands the technical, operational and legal issues unique to aviation incidents. If you or your family has been affected by an aviation crash or regulatory matter, contact Ramos Law to speak with an aviation attorney who understands the industry.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and is based on preliminary reports and publicly available sources. Aviation accident investigations are conducted by the FAA and NTSB, and the official findings and probable cause will be determined by those agencies following a full investigation.
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