Two people have been confirmed dead after a skydiving plane crashed in Missouri, authorities said Wednesday. The victims were identified as the pilot, 58-year-old Mark Johnson, and a passenger, 34-year-old Sarah Thompson, both from the local area.
Crash Details
The single-engine aircraft went down in a rural field near the town of Sedalia around 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Witnesses reported hearing a sputtering engine before the plane plummeted. Emergency responders arrived within minutes but found no survivors.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure may have played a role, but officials have not ruled out other factors. The plane, a Cessna 208 Caravan, was operated by a local skydiving company.
Company owner Jerry Miller expressed shock and sorrow, calling the deceased "experienced and beloved members of our skydiving family." The company has suspended operations pending the investigation.
Community Mourns
Friends and family gathered at a vigil Wednesday evening near the crash site. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the families of the victims. The Sedalia community, known for its tight-knit skydiving community, is in mourning.
This incident marks the first fatal skydiving plane crash in Missouri since 2019. Officials urge anyone with information or footage to contact the NTSB.
