Williamstown, NJ witnessed a skydiving plane crash at Cross Keys Airport, illuminating crucial flaws in aviation safety, emergency responses, and the skydiving industry’s risk management.
At a Glance
- A plane carrying 14 skydivers and a pilot crashed shortly after takeoff from Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, New Jersey.
- All 15 people on board were injured, with three listed in critical condition.
- The pilot reported engine trouble and was attempting to return to the airport when the plane went down.
- The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
A “Mass Casualty Incident” in New Jersey
A plane carrying a group of skydivers crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. All 15 people on board—one pilot and 14 skydivers—were injured in the crash, which occurred just before 5:30 p.m.
Emergency responders declared a “mass casualty incident,” mobilizing a massive response from local and state agencies. Three of the victims were in critical condition and had to be airlifted to nearby trauma centers for treatment. Officials noted that the rescue was complicated by the fact that some passengers were soaked in jet fuel after the crash.
A Miraculous Survival
Despite the severity of the crash, officials have confirmed that there were no fatalities, an outcome many are calling remarkable. “Just the fact that we have 15 people that are still with us here today, some with minor injuries, I think is fantastic and remarkable,” Andrew Halter, director of the Monroe Township Emergency Medical Services, told USA Today.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also confirmed that “no fatalities at this time” had been reported, praising the swift and effective work of the first responders.
Engine Trouble and a Troubled History
The pilot of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan reported experiencing engine trouble shortly after liftoff. “The pilot was reportedly in an ascent at that point and again reported some engine trouble,” Halter told ABC7NY. “That’s when he was trying to circle back to make it back down onto the ground but was unable to do so.”
Pilot reported engine trouble before skydiving plane crash; 14 injured https://t.co/bwAfRLvjAD
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) July 3, 2025
The incident has raised serious questions about the aircraft’s maintenance history. According to a report from CBS News, the same plane was involved in a previous, non-fatal incident in Virginia in July 2023, where it also experienced an engine problem. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
