A serious incident unfolded at the Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, when a skydiving plane carrying 15 people veered off the runway, resulting in multiple injuries and a large-scale emergency response. The Cross Keys skydiving plane crash has drawn significant attention, with authorities and aviation experts working to determine the cause and ensure the safety of future flights at this popular skydiving destination.
Emergency Response to Cross Keys Skydiving Plane Crash
The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time, when a Cessna 208B aircraft, operated by a skydiving company based at Cross Keys Airport, went off the end of the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that 15 people were on board at the time of the incident. Emergency services, including the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), quickly declared a “mass casualty incident,” prompting a large-scale response from local, county, and state agencies.
Key points from the initial response include:
- At least five people were transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, for treatment. The conditions of the injured have not yet been released.
- Emergency medical teams, including hospital EMS and trauma specialists, were dispatched directly to the crash site to provide immediate care.
- The airport was temporarily closed to facilitate rescue operations and to allow investigators to examine the scene.
What We Know So Far: Details of the Incident
The Cross Keys skydiving plane crash involved a Cessna 208B, a model commonly used for skydiving operations due to its capacity and reliability. According to FAA officials, the aircraft went off the runway during either takeoff or landing, though the precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
Eyewitness accounts and aerial footage from local news helicopters showed a significant emergency presence, with several individuals being carried away on stretchers. The airport, a privately owned facility in Williamstown, is well-known for its skydiving activities, with Skydive Cross Keys being one of the primary operators.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to ensure that emergency responders have unobstructed access to the site.
Read also-NJ Plane Crash: Latest Developments on Cross Keys Skydiving Plane Crash
Key Point Summary
- Date and Time: July 2, 2025, around 5:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Cross Keys Airport, Gloucester County, NJ
- Aircraft: Cessna 208B, used for skydiving
- People on Board: 15
- Injuries: At least 5 hospitalized, more treated at the scene
- Response: Declared “mass casualty incident,” large emergency response
- Investigation: Ongoing by FAA and local authorities
Cross Keys Skydiving Plane Crash: Investigation Underway
The FAA has launched a full investigation into the Cross Keys skydiving plane crash. While the exact cause has not been determined, investigators are examining all possible factors, including pilot actions, mechanical issues, and weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Notably, the same aircraft model was involved in a previous runway incident in 2023 in Virginia, where an inadequate landing flare was cited as the cause. However, there were no reported mechanical failures in that case. Investigators will be looking closely at maintenance records, pilot experience, and operational procedures at Cross Keys Airport.
Community Impact and Skydiving Safety
The Cross Keys skydiving plane crash has raised concerns among both local residents and the broader skydiving community. Cross Keys Airport is a major hub for skydiving in the region, attracting enthusiasts from across the Northeast. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols and emergency preparedness at skydiving centers.
Local authorities and the airport management have reassured the public that safety is their top priority. The airport remains closed to non-essential personnel while the investigation continues, and all skydiving operations have been temporarily suspended.
What’s Next: Updates Expected
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to release more information about the cause of the Cross Keys skydiving plane crash, the status of the injured, and any potential changes to safety regulations. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will provide updates as findings become available.
For those with loved ones involved or for members of the skydiving community, staying informed through official channels is recommended. The story is still developing, and further details will emerge in the coming days.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Cross Keys skydiving plane crash and ongoing coverage of aviation safety in New Jersey. If you have questions or concerns about skydiving safety or the current investigation, reach out to local authorities or follow official updates from the FAA.