12 killed in plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BUTLER, Mo. (KBSI) — Twelve people were killed Sunday after a plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Butler Memorial Airport in western Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, all 12 people on board died in the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a Pacific Aerospace P750 crashed while departing Butler Memorial Airport around 11:35 a.m. Sunday. The airport is located about 65 miles south of Kansas City.

Bates County Emergency Management officials said the aircraft took off before turning back toward the airport for an unknown reason and crashed near Business 49 Highway.

Authorities said the aircraft crashed in a field adjacent to the airport and became engulfed in flames. Emergency crews extinguished the fire shortly after impact.

Business 49 near the airport was temporarily closed as first responders worked at the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Authorities have not released the identities of those killed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.