A skydiving plane crash in New Jersey has put the spotlight back on aviation safety after a Cessna 208B carrying 15 people went down at Cross Keys Airport, southeast of Philadelphia, on July 2, 2025. The incident, which unfolded as the aircraft attempted takeoff, has been declared a mass casualty event by local authorities, with emergency responders rushing to the scene and multiple passengers hospitalized.
Key Points: Skydiving Plane Crashes in New Jersey
- Date: July 2, 2025
- Location: Cross Keys Airport, Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey
- Aircraft: Cessna 208B, operated by a Virginia-based company
- Occupants: 15 (skydivers and crew)
- Injuries: 3 critically injured, 11 others with various injuries
- Hospitalizations: At least 14 transported, 5 to Cooper University Hospital
- Cause: Engine issues reported prior to crash; investigation ongoing
Skydiving Plane Crashes: What Happened?
The skydiving plane was attempting to gain altitude shortly after takeoff when the pilot reported engine trouble. According to officials, the aircraft reached approximately 3,000 feet before trying to circle back for an emergency landing. The attempt failed, and the plane descended into a wooded area near the airport. Emergency crews responded swiftly, extracting the pilot from the wreckage and decontaminating passengers who were covered in fuel.
Aerial footage from local news helicopters captured the aftermath, showing stretchers being carried out of the forest and a significant emergency response presence. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both investigating the crash. The Cessna 208B involved had previously been under review for a 2023 incident related to a nose gear collapse attributed to pilot error.
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Recent Skydiving Plane Crashes: A Troubling Pattern
This latest skydiving plane crash comes less than a month after a similar incident in Tennessee, where a skydiving aircraft crashed moments after takeoff, injuring several passengers. The New Jersey crash has reignited concerns about the safety protocols and mechanical reliability of planes used in commercial skydiving operations.
Summary Table: Recent Skydiving Plane Crashes
| Date | Location | Injuries | Aircraft | Cause (Preliminary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2025 | Cross Keys, NJ | 14 hospitalized | Cessna 208B | Engine failure reported |
| June 9, 2025 | Tullahoma, TN | Multiple | Not specified | Under investigation |
Skydiving Plane Crashes: Community and Industry Response
The skydiving community and aviation authorities are closely monitoring developments. Skydive Cross Keys, the commercial operator at the New Jersey airport, has not yet released a statement. The FAA is expected to provide a preliminary report within one business day, and the NTSB will continue its investigation into the root cause.
Read also-Cross Keys Skydiving Plane Crash: Latest Updates and Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and the safety measures needed to prevent future skydiving plane crashes. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
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