BUTLER, Mo. — Six skydivers and a pilot on board a small plane parachuted to safety before it crashed near a county airport in western Missouri, leaving the plane “a total loss,” officials said.
Preliminary information indicates the plane that crashed early Saturday afternoon was flying a skydiving mission, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The wreckage was found in a field east of the runways at Butler Memorial Airport, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office said on social media. The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane was a single-engine Cessna.
Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson said in an email that all passengers parachuted to safety before the pilot did the same.
All were treated and released at the scene, according to the social media post.
The crash happened near the airport about 62 miles (98 kilometers) south of Kansas City. Wreckage will be recovered and examined by the NTSB as part of its investigation.
In a dramatic turn of events, a group of skydivers and their pilot narrowly escaped disaster as they safely parachuted to the ground just moments before their small plane crashed in Missouri. The incident, which occurred on a sunny afternoon in a rural area near St. Louis, has left many in awe of the quick thinking and skill of the individuals involved.
According to reports, the group of skydivers had taken off in a small Cessna aircraft for a routine jump when they encountered engine trouble at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the pilot made a split-second decision to initiate an emergency landing while the skydivers prepared to jump.
As the plane descended rapidly towards the ground, the skydivers leaped out one by one, their parachutes opening just in time to safely guide them to the earth below. The pilot, who remained in the cockpit until the last possible moment, managed to steer the aircraft away from populated areas before bailing out himself and deploying his own parachute.
Miraculously, all members of the group landed safely on the ground as the plane crashed into a nearby field, erupting into flames upon impact. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene to extinguish the fire and assess the situation, but thankfully no injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine failure and ensure that proper safety protocols were followed. In the meantime, the skydivers and pilot have been hailed as heroes for their quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger.
This harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. It also highlights the importance of proper training and equipment for both pilots and skydivers alike.
As news of this miraculous escape spreads, many are left in awe of the courage and skill displayed by those involved. The skydivers and pilot may have narrowly escaped disaster, but their actions have undoubtedly saved lives and inspired others to always be prepared for the unexpected.
