NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Butler, MO, June 23, 2026 — Friends and family are mourning the loss of 24-year-old Indian technology professional Sai Karthik Varma Datla, who was among 12 people killed when a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in Missouri on June 14.
Datla was identified by the Bates County Coroner’s Office two days after the crash. He was the only Indian national among the victims aboard the Pacific Aerospace P750XL aircraft, which was carrying a pilot and 11 skydivers when it went down shortly after takeoff.
Originally from India, Datla came to the United States in January 2023 to pursue higher education and build a career in technology. He recently earned a master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Central Missouri and was working in the healthcare technology sector in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Friends describe him as a hardworking and ambitious young man who was deeply devoted to his family. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by family friend Someswara Rao Kola, Datla came to the United States with dreams of creating a better future for himself and his loved ones.
“Sai Karthik was a hardworking, kind, and determined person who always cared deeply about his family,” the fundraiser states. “He worked tirelessly to achieve his goals and dreamed of supporting his loved ones and giving them a better life.”
The fundraiser was created to provide financial support to Datla’s family in the wake of the tragedy. Organizers say the sudden loss has left relatives and friends devastated.
The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. on June 14 at Butler Memorial Airport, about 70 miles south of Kansas City. According to investigators and witnesses, the aircraft turned back shortly after takeoff and appeared to experience trouble before crashing on airport property. The plane burst into flames on impact, killing all 12 people aboard.
The aircraft was being operated by Skydive Kansas City and was carrying a group of skydivers preparing for a jump. Several of the victims were experienced members of the skydiving community.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials have reviewed witness statements, photographs, and video evidence but have not yet determined the cause of the accident. Investigators have cautioned that the inquiry is in its early stages and that a final report could take many months to complete.
As the investigation continues, Datla’s family and friends are remembering a young man whose life was cut short just as he was beginning to realize his dreams in America.
Those wishing to support the family can do so through the GoFundMe campaign established in his memory.
