Twelve people, including 11 skydivers and the pilot, have died in a plane crash in Butler, Missouri, officials confirmed Sunday.

The aircraft, leased by a skydiving company, departed from Butler Memorial Airport around 11:20 AM local time. According to a Bates County Emergency Management spokesperson, the plane failed to gain altitude, executed a sharp left turn, and crashed approximately 200 yards from the runway.

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson described the scene as a mass casualty incident during an afternoon news conference. He stated that the aircraft was a "local airplane" and not a commercial airliner. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the plane as a Pacific Aerospace P750 and confirmed it crashed during departure. Air traffic services were not provided at the time of the incident, as the airspace classification did not require communication.

First responders searched the vicinity to determine if any skydivers had deployed their parachutes before the crash. The sheriff noted that some family members of the deceased were present and witnessed the incident. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. The city of Butler is located about 50 miles south of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is spearheading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The FAA stated that it is cooperating with the NTSB's inquiry.

This tragic event underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly in specialized operations like skydiving. The proximity of the crash to the airport and the fact that it occurred shortly after takeoff will be key points of focus for investigators.

While the NTSB will meticulously examine the aircraft's mechanical condition, pilot performance, and environmental factors, the immediate aftermath is focused on supporting the grieving families and understanding the sequence of events that led to this devastating loss.

Further details are expected to emerge as the NTSB conducts its thorough investigation, which could take several months to complete. The community of Butler and the wider skydiving community are mourning the loss of the 12 individuals.