NTSB Preliminary Report on Missouri Skydiving Crash Finds No Mechanical Issues but Notes Lack of Required Recorder

Federal investigators found no evidence of mechanical or engine problems that could explain the June 14 Missouri skydiving plane crash that killed 12 people, according to a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report released Thursday. The New York Post reported that a post-accident fuel sample showed no sediment or debris, and company records confirmed the 38-foot single-engine turboprop met all weight and balance requirements before departure from Butler Memorial Airport.

The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, was not required to carry a crashworthy voice or data recorder.

The plane took off at about 11:25 a.m. and crashed about five minutes later while climbing through clear skies. It suddenly veered left near Business 49 Highway, with both wings becoming nearly perpendicular to the ground before it struck a field nose-down and burst into flames, the report stated.

Dennis Jacobs, acting airport manager and Bates County Emergency Management Agency director, said he believed the pilot attempted an emergency landing after losing power. Damaged GoPro cameras recovered from the wreckage were sent to a lab for analysis.

Among the victims were Jen Sharp, 55, technology director for the United States Parachute Association; Dave Hershberger, 54, an orchestra teacher; Mike Shanahan, 54, on his 23rd tandem jump; Marcus Miller, 30; Matthew Swope, 39, who had completed more than 750 jumps; Dustin McKinney, 44, a videographer for Skydive KC; Will Fischer, 23; Nick Nash; and Dane Cordes.

Albert Berchtold, USPA executive director, said Sharp was a remarkable force whose passion for the skies was matched only by her dedication to the people in the sport. The USPA stated that Skydive KC adheres to all FAA maintenance requirements. The investigation remains ongoing, with a final report expected to take more than a year.