BUTLER, MO — The skydiving community, along with family and friends across Kansas and beyond, is mourning the tragic loss of 23-year-old William “Will” Fischer of De Soto, Kansas, who was among 12 people killed in a devastating plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff, claimed the lives of 11 skydivers and a pilot, marking it as one of the deadliest skydiving-related aviation disasters in recent U.S. history and the most severe aviation incident in Missouri in decades. The loss has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit skydiving community, where many of those on board were experienced jumpers and staff connected through shared training, events, and recreational aviation.
According to early information from aviation authorities, the aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace 750XL carrying skydivers on a routine flight. Witnesses and officials reported that shortly after departure, the plane turned back toward Butler Memorial Airport for reasons still under investigation. Moments later, it went down near a highway area and erupted into flames upon impact. Some family members of passengers were reportedly present nearby and witnessed the tragic sequence of events unfold.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the crash site, but all 12 individuals on board were confirmed dead. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now leading a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have stated that determining what led to the accident will require extensive analysis of flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions, and pilot communications, and may take several months or longer.
William “Will” Fischer is being remembered by loved ones as a passionate and adventurous young man whose love for skydiving reflected his fearless spirit and appreciation for life. Friends describe him as energetic, kind, and deeply committed to the sport and community he was part of. His loss has left a profound void among those who trained, jumped, and shared experiences with him in the skies.
Tributes have poured in from across the skydiving world, with many remembering not only the tragedy itself but also the joy and camaraderie that Fischer brought to those around him. Fellow jumpers and instructors have shared condolences, honoring the memory of a young man who pursued his passion with dedication and enthusiasm.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are left grieving an unimaginable loss while waiting for answers. The skydiving and aviation communities remain united in mourning, reflecting on the risks of the sport and the lives cut tragically short.
William “Will” Fischer will be remembered with love, respect, and admiration by all who knew him, as his legacy continues in the memories of those who shared in his passion for flight and adventure.