WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ — July 3, 2025 — A terrifying skydiving plane crash at a small New Jersey airport has left 14 people injured, including three critically, after a single-engine aircraft carrying thrill-seekers crashed into a tree and burst into flames during takeoff.
The crash occurred just after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Cross Keys Airport, located in Gloucester County, about 21 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 208B, was reportedly in the early stages of ascent when the pilot reported engine trouble. Moments later, the plane veered off the end of the runway, smashed into a tree, and came to a fiery halt, sending jet fuel spraying over several of the passengers.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency services swarmed the area. Shocking aerial footage showed first responders stretchering bloodied and fuel-soaked passengers away from the smoking wreckage.
“It was a mass casualty incident,” said Andrew Halter of Gloucester County Emergency Management. “We found extensive damage to the aircraft and multiple patients covered in jet fuel. Three were in critical condition and were airlifted to trauma centers.”
In total, 15 people were on board, including the pilot. Fourteen were hospitalized, while one person declined treatment. Patients were reportedly decontaminated on site before being transported. Among those injured, three victims were rushed to Cooper University Hospital’s Level One trauma center, while eight others with less severe injuries were treated in the emergency department.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the pilot was attempting to circle back for an emergency landing when the plane lost power and collided with the tree line.
The aircraft was operated by Skydive Cross Keys, a popular destination for both first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers. The company has not yet released an official statement but touts itself as a “world-class skydiving center” with a “strong culture of safety and professionalism.”
In a public statement, local officials urged the community to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and avoid the area as investigations and recovery operations continue.
What was supposed to be a thrilling day of adrenaline and adventure ended in chaos and injury — a sobering reminder of the risks that can come with even the most carefully prepared flights.
The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate
