The crash occurred just before 11:30 a.m. Sunday, according to Bates County emergency management, after the plane departed Butler Memorial Airport. The aircraft turned back before going down near Business 49 Highway, Fox 4 reported, citing emergency management officials.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed the fatalities in a social media post, stating that “all occupants (12 total) have perished.” Troopers were on scene assisting the Butler Police Department and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, the patrol said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are among the agencies responding to the scene, according to KMBC. The NTSB will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Videos posted online appeared to show a heavily damaged aircraft in a grassy area, with plumes of white smoke rising from the wreckage.
The Guardian has sought additional comment from the Butler Police Department, the NTSB, and the FAA.