The Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) launched a preliminary report on a skydiving plane crash that injured 15 individuals in Gloucester County, New Jersey, earlier this month.
On July 2, 2025, a Cessna 208B N716MM plane departed from the Cross Keys Airport in Monroe Township at 4:23 pm. for an 18-minute skydive flight.
The aircraft then departed on one other flight at 5:14 p.m. On the time, it was fueled with 44.9 gallons of Jet-A with a complete gas load of 800 kilos.
In line with the preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in addition to statements from witnesses, the pilot of the aircraft reported a lack of engine energy when the plane reached about 3000 ft above sea stage shortly earlier than 5:30 p.m. The pilot then tried to glide the airplane again to runway 27 at Cross Keys Airport.
The aircraft touched down close to the tip of the runway after which traveled off it. It then crashed into timber about 700 ft from the runway and continued about 250 ft earlier than coming to a relaxation, in accordance with investigators.
There have been two pilots and 13 passengers on board the aircraft on the time. Each pilots and 10 of the passengers suffered severe accidents whereas three of the passengers suffered minor accidents, officers mentioned.
Investigators mentioned there was substantial harm to the aircraft fuselage and wings with three of the plane’s 4 propeller blades separated.
You’ll be able to view the total report under:
The aircraft was owned by ARNE Aviation LLC, which is predicated out of Virginia, and leased by Skydive Cross Keys.
In line with NTSB data, the aircraft was additionally concerned in a separate crash in 2023 in Virginia. Investigators mentioned the reason for that crash was doubtless the pilot’s insufficient touchdown flare.
