On the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a harrowing skydiving plane crash unfolded near Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown, New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the local community and emergency responders alike. The Cessna 208B, carrying 15 people including the pilot, went off the end of the airport’s lone 3,500-foot runway and crashed into the wooded area nearby, resulting in a mass casualty incident that left 14 people hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time, southeast of Philadelphia, as the plane was attempting to ascend. According to Andrew Halter from the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management, the pilot reported engine trouble during the climb and attempted to circle back to the runway for an emergency landing but was unsuccessful. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 3,000 feet before rapidly descending at a rate of 3,008 feet per minute, just before the tracking data ceased.
Emergency crews arrived swiftly, confronting a chaotic scene marked by extensive damage to the aircraft and many passengers covered in leaking jet fuel. The plane reportedly spilled about 50 gallons of this hazardous substance at the crash site, raising immediate concerns about fire and environmental contamination. First responders had to decontaminate the victims on-site before transporting them to nearby hospitals, a process that underscored the urgency and complexity of the rescue operation.
Among the 15 souls aboard, 14 were hospitalized. Three individuals were airlifted in critical condition to Cooper University Hospital’s trauma center in Camden, New Jersey, while others with less severe injuries were treated in the hospital's emergency department. Additionally, three patients were taken to Inspira Medical Center in Mantua. One person at the scene declined medical treatment. The nature of injuries varied widely, but officials noted numerous extremity injuries among the victims.
Remarkably, despite the severity of the crash, no fatalities have been reported. Halter expressed amazement at this outcome, stating, "It's amazing that at this point there are no fatalities reported. 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." The pilot, who was initially trapped inside the wreckage, was eventually extracted by rescue teams.
Cross Keys Airport, a privately-owned facility primarily serving private and recreational flyers, is home to the skydiving operation Skydive Cross Keys, which leased the aircraft from Arne Aviation LLC, a Virginia-based company. The Cessna 208B involved was specifically used for skydiving flights. This aircraft had a prior incident in 2023 when its nose gear collapsed during landing due to pilot error, according to National Transportation Safety Board records. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from that earlier mishap.
The crash site remains under active investigation by multiple agencies, including the Monroe Township Police Department, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Authorities have urged the public to steer clear of the area to allow emergency and investigative teams to work safely and efficiently. The aircraft remains in the wooded area as investigators piece together the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
Mayor Gregory Wolfe of Monroe Township acknowledged the gravity of the situation and noted the outpouring of support from state officials, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "At this time, there are fortunately no fatalities reported," Wolfe said in a statement, emphasizing the collective relief felt by the community amidst the tragedy.
Emergency response was robust, with five medical transport helicopters deployed to ferry the critically injured to medical facilities. Footage captured by news helicopters showed stretchers being wheeled from the wooded crash site to awaiting helicopters, highlighting the scale and urgency of the rescue operation.
The pilot’s reported engine trouble during ascent raises questions about potential mechanical failures or other contributing factors. The FAA and NTSB's ongoing investigations aim to uncover the root causes, which will be critical for preventing similar incidents in the future.
Cross Keys Airport, while small, plays an important role in regional aviation activities, especially for recreational flyers and skydiving enthusiasts. The airport’s single runway and the presence of skydiving operations underscore the inherent risks involved in such specialized aviation activities. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of those risks and the importance of rigorous safety protocols.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the recovery and care of those injured, as well as on understanding how a seemingly routine skydiving flight turned into a near-tragedy. The community watches closely, hoping for answers and relief as emergency personnel and investigators work tirelessly in the aftermath of the crash.
