Daijiworld Media Network – Missouri
Missouri, Jun 17: A 24-year-old Indian technology professional was among 12 people killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after take-off in the US state of Missouri, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Sai Karthik Varma Datla, the only Indian national among those who died in the accident near Butler Memorial Airport in Bates County, about 80 miles south of Kansas City.
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, crashed moments after taking off on Sunday morning. According to investigators, the plane appeared to attempt a return to the airport before going down in a nearby field and bursting into flames. There were no survivors.
Officials said the aircraft involved was a Pacific Aerospace P750XL commonly used for skydiving operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the crash. While the exact cause remains unknown, preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks.
Datla was a technology professional based in the Kansas City metropolitan area. According to his professional profile, he studied at the University of Central Missouri and worked in the healthcare technology sector, specialising in cloud computing, DevOps engineering and IT infrastructure.
Friends and members of the Indian community described him as an ambitious young professional who had moved to the United States to pursue higher education and build a successful career in technology. Reports said he hailed from India and had recently established himself in the American workforce.
The crash also claimed the lives of several experienced skydivers, instructors, tandem jumpers and the pilot.
Among the victims was Jen Sharp, technology director of the United States Parachute Association, who had completed more than 6,800 skydives and was widely respected within the sport.
Also killed was Dave Hershberger, a high school orchestra director and music teacher, who was known for his passion for skydiving. Matthew Swope, a cancer survivor who had completed more than 750 jumps, was remembered by friends for finding renewed purpose through the sport after overcoming illness.
Other victims included Dustin McKinney, a father of two and videographer for Skydive Kansas City; Will Fischer, 23, who was nearing instructor certification; and Mike Shanahan, a grandfather of six and a well-known member of the local skydiving community.
Tandem jumpers Terry Phillips and Kathy Phillips, along with Marcus Miller, Nick Nash, Dane Cordes and pilot Jason Dahl, were also among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
As investigations continue, tributes have poured in from across the United States and India, remembering the victims for their contributions to their professions, communities and the sport of skydiving.