A 24-year-old Indian national was among the 12 people killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in western Missouri, according to local authorities. The crash occurred on Sunday near the Butler Memorial Airport, about 60 miles south of Kansas City, and claimed the lives of all 11 skydivers aboard and the pilot.
The Bates County Coroner’s Office identified the Indian victim as Sai Karthik Varma Datla. He was listed as being from India and was the only Indian national among those killed in the accident.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Datla had studied computer science at the University of Central Missouri before beginning his career in the United States. He was working as a technology professional in the Kansas City metropolitan area at the time of the crash.
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The aircraft, a 2010 Pacific Aerospace P750XL operated by Skydive Kansas City, departed Butler Memorial Airport shortly before 11:30 a.m. local time. Officials said the plane failed to gain sufficient altitude after takeoff, turned left, and crashed approximately 300 yards from the runway. All 12 occupants died at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Investigators are examining the aircraft, maintenance records, weather conditions and the pilot’s background to determine what caused the crash. Officials have not identified a probable cause, and a final report is not expected for several months.
The victims included experienced skydivers, tandem jumpers and the pilot, according to local officials. Friends, relatives and members of the skydiving community have shared tributes describing those who died as passionate participants in the sport and valued members of their local communities.
Skydive Kansas City said it is cooperating fully with investigators and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. State and federal officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains ongoing.