A Cessna 208B carrying 15 skydivers crashed shortly after take-off from Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, New Jersey, after the pilot reported engine trouble, leaving all on board injured and prompting a multi-agency inquiry.
At a Glance
- A Cessna 208B operating for Skydive Cross Keys crashed shortly after take-off from Cross Keys Airport (Williamstown, NJ), injuring all 15 people on board.
- The pilot reported engine trouble four minutes into the flight and attempted to return to the runway.
- The same aircraft was involved in a July 2023 incident in Suffolk, Virginia.
- Three people remain in critical condition; the others sustained moderate or minor injuries.
- The FAA, NTSB, Monroe Township Police Department and Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office are leading the investigation.
Crash Overview
The aircraft, operated by Skydive Cross Keys and owned by ARNE Aviation, went down in a wooded area near the airport on Wednesday evening. Emergency services declared a mass-casualty incident and treated injuries ranging from minor to critical. Gloucester County officials reported that several victims were covered in jet fuel, requiring field decontamination before hospital transport, as detailed by CBS Philadelphia.
Watch a report: 15 Injured in Skydiving Plane Crash at Cross Keys Airport
According to AP News, the pilot reported engine trouble within minutes of departure. The plane attempted to return but crashed before reaching the runway. Authorities confirmed the pilot’s emergency call and noted that recent disaster drills at the airport helped reduce response times.
Previous Safety Concerns
Records show that the same aircraft was previously involved in a July 2023 hard-landing incident in Suffolk, Virginia. The NTSB attributed that event to an inadequate flare on landing, but no mechanical faults were found at the time. The plane was repaired and returned to service.
The aircraft’s reuse raises questions among aviation observers. In an update from 6ABC, officials confirmed that despite its history, the aircraft had passed recent inspections and was certified for operation.
Ongoing Investigation
The FAA and NTSB are jointly investigating the incident, including maintenance records, pilot credentials, and operational oversight. Monroe Township Police and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office are also participating in the probe.
As of Thursday, Skydive Cross Keys has suspended operations pending review. Local officials have not announced whether any regulatory actions are forthcoming, but the aircraft remains on-site for further examination. Investigators say a full report could take over a year to complete.
