BUTLER, Mo. — A devastating aviation tragedy near Butler Memorial Airport has claimed the lives of 12 people, including Dane Cordes, after a PAC 750XL skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Authorities confirmed that all 11 skydivers and the pilot aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash, marking one of the most catastrophic skydiving-related aviation incidents in recent Missouri history.
Among those lost was Dane Cordes, whose name has been shared by members of the skydiving community alongside other victims identified or reported in the aftermath of the tragedy, including Matthew Swope, Nick Nash, Dustin McKinney, and Jen Sharp.
Aircraft departed before fatal crash
According to Bates County Emergency Management, the New Zealand-built PAC 750XL turboprop aircraft departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11 a.m. as part of routine skydiving operations conducted by Skydive Kansas City.
Investigators say the aircraft took off normally but, shortly after departure, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport for reasons that have not yet been determined. Moments later, the aircraft went down near Business 49 Highway in Butler, Missouri.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that all 12 people on board were killed in the crash.
Massive emergency response
Following the crash, emergency personnel from multiple agencies rushed to the scene, including local fire departments, county emergency management teams, and state authorities. Federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), also responded and have taken the lead in the investigation.
Search efforts were immediately launched in the surrounding area to determine whether any skydivers may have exited the aircraft prior to impact. After an extensive search, officials confirmed that all occupants were accounted for onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to turn back and ultimately crash shortly after takeoff. Investigators are now working to analyze flight data, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, and other potential contributing factors as they attempt to reconstruct the final moments of the flight.
Officials have described the investigation as complex and ongoing, with no preliminary cause released at this time.
Remembering those lost
Dane Cordes is being remembered alongside the other victims of the crash as part of a close-knit skydiving community shaken by the sudden and tragic loss of multiple lives in a single moment.
Friends, colleagues, and fellow skydivers have begun sharing tributes and condolences, reflecting on the passion many of the victims shared for aviation and skydiving. The loss has deeply impacted both local and national skydiving communities, where the victims were known for their experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to the sport.
As names continue to be shared, the tragedy has become a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation activities, even under routine operating conditions.
Community mourning
In Butler and surrounding communities, residents are mourning an incident that has left a lasting emotional impact. Many have expressed shock and grief as they try to come to terms with the scale of the disaster.
Authorities continue to work closely with families of the victims, providing support and updates as the investigation progresses.
Federal investigation continues
The NTSB and FAA are expected to remain on scene for an extended period as they collect evidence and analyze all aspects of the flight. Officials have stated that a full investigation could take months before a final determination is made.
As the investigation continues, the memory of Dane Cordes and the 11 other victims remains at the center of national attention.
They are remembered not only for how their lives ended, but for the lives they lived, the communities they touched, and the passion they shared in their final moments.
Their names now stand together in remembrance following a tragedy that has left a lasting mark on the skydiving community and beyond.
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