Pilot, 6 others parachute to safety out of plane before it crashes

Six parachuters and a pilot jumped to safety just before a small plane crashed into a hay field in Missouri, according to authorities.

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office says at approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, dispatch was notified about a small airplane that crashed near the Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri.

Once on scene, first responders found the airplane in a hay field east of the airport runways.

Preliminary information obtained by the Associated Press indicated the plane was being used for a skydiving outing.

All six parachuters and the pilot were all able to parachute to safety prior to the crash.

Everyone involved was treated by EMS and released at the scene. Police say the plane is a total loss.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct the official investigations of the crash.




(Photo: Bates County Sheriffs office)