Tragic Skydiving Aircraft Crash in Missouri Claims Lives, Including Indian Techie

A devastating skydiving aircraft crash in Missouri has claimed the lives of 12 individuals, including 24-year-old Indian techie Sai Karthik Varma Datla. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport, raising concerns about safety in skydiving activities. Investigators are currently probing the circumstances surrounding the crash, which involved a Pacific Aerospace 750XL aircraft. Datla, who had a background in healthcare technology, was the only Indian among the victims. As authorities seek to uncover the cause of this tragic event, the community mourns the loss of lives and the impact on families affected.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 17:24 IST

Fatal Plane Crash in Missouri

Missouri: A tragic incident occurred in Missouri when a skydiving aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including 24-year-old Indian tech professional Sai Karthik Varma Datla. The crash took place at Butler Memorial Airport in Bates County, approximately 80 miles south of Kansas City. Datla was the sole Indian casualty in this unfortunate event. The aircraft involved was identified as a Pacific Aerospace 750XL.

Reports indicate that the plane took off around 11:35 AM local time and crashed shortly after, making a sharp left turn and nosediving about 300 yards from the runway. Among the deceased were nine experienced skydivers and the pilot. Some families of the victims were present at the airport during the incident. Notably, Jen Sharp, the director of the United States Parachute Association, was also among those who lost their lives.

About Sai Karthik Varma Datla
Sai Karthik Varma Datla was a graduate of the University of Central Missouri and worked in the healthcare technology field, primarily based in the Kansas City metropolitan area. His LinkedIn profile indicates he was employed with AdventHealth and had previously worked at Capgemini, focusing on cloud migration, automation, and software deployment. His profile also suggested he was open to new job opportunities.

Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the crash, which notably did not involve a black box, a device crucial for recording flight data that aids in determining crash causes. Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses to gather more information about the incident.