A serious plane crash involving a skydiving aircraft occurred Wednesday evening at Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County, New Jersey, leaving 14 people injured and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The crash involved a Cessna 208B operated by Arne Aviation LLC and leased to Skydive Cross Keys, a skydiving facility based in Monroe Township.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
According to officials, the crash took place around 5:25 p.m. on July 2, 2025. The single-engine aircraft was departing the airport when the pilot reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff. The plane went off the end of the runway and ultimately crashed into a wooded area near the airport.
There were 15 people on board at the time, including the pilot. Many were covered in jet fuel when first responders arrived, and all but one person required medical attention. Rescue crews treated and decontaminated victims on the scene before transporting them to local hospitals.
Eight individuals were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Three were admitted to the trauma intensive care unit in critical but stable condition. The other five were admitted in serious condition. Victims suffered a range of injuries including fractures, blunt force trauma, and other extremity injuries.
FAA and NTSB Launch Investigations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations into the crash. NTSB officials stated that they will examine a wide range of factors including:
- Engine failure reports
- Weather conditions at the time of departure
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Pilot licensing and experience
- Flight tracking data
Officials are also urging any eyewitnesses or individuals with video or surveillance footage to contact the NTSB to aid in the investigation.
Legal Considerations After an Aviation Accident
Aviation accidents involving skydiving operations can be particularly complex due to the overlapping roles of aircraft owners, operators, and skydiving companies. When passengers are injured in crashes like this one, several potential avenues of legal liability may be explored, including:
- Aircraft Maintenance Failures – If engine trouble was due to negligent upkeep, the maintenance provider or operator may be at fault.
- Pilot Error or Inadequate Training – If the pilot made unsafe decisions or was not properly trained, legal claims could arise from negligent operation.
- Leasing and Operational Oversight – When planes are leased, both the lessor and lessee may share responsibility for ensuring airworthiness and compliance with FAA safety regulations.
Those injured in aviation incidents may have legal options for pursuing compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Contact an Aviation Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a skydiving or small aircraft accident, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our aviation accident attorneys have extensive experience with aviation crashes.
Call us at 713-804-9306 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help you pursue the answers and accountability you deserve.