Fifteen Injured in Skydiving Plane Crash at New Jersey Airport

On July 2, 2025, a skydiving plane, a Cessna 208B, crashed into the woods near Cross Keys Airport in New Jersey, injuring fifteen individuals, three of whom are in trauma care. The incident occurred during an evening flight, prompting immediate responses from local emergency services and initiating an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The crash site, located approximately 21 miles southeast of Philadelphia, revealed significant damage to the aircraft, with debris scattered across the forested area. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles were deployed to the scene to assist in the rescue and recovery operations. According to a statement from Wendy A. Marano, a spokesperson for Cooper University Hospital, the injured individuals included three patients in critical condition and eight others with varying degrees of injuries being treated in the emergency department. Four patients were reported to have sustained minimal injuries and were awaiting further evaluation.

The FAA is currently conducting an investigation into the accident. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed that they are working to determine the cause of the crash and whether any regulatory violations occurred. This incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for skydiving operations within the region. The Cessna 208B is a commonly used aircraft for skydiving due to its capacity and reliability, but this incident has sparked discussions around the maintenance and operational standards adhered to by skydiving companies.

Cross Keys Airport, a hub for various aviation activities, including skydiving, referred inquiries to Skydive Cross Keys, which has not yet issued a public statement regarding the crash. The airport's management urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate the ongoing emergency response.

In the aftermath of the crash, local authorities have emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure the safety of similar operations in the future. According to Dr. Mark Thompson, an aviation safety expert at the University of Michigan, "This incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with skydiving and the importance of adherence to safety regulations by operators."

The incident follows several other recent aviation accidents involving small planes, including a tragic crash in Ohio that resulted in six fatalities. This pattern has prompted calls from aviation advocacy groups for stricter oversight and regulations to prevent similar occurrences.

As investigations continue, the implications of this crash will likely resonate throughout the skydiving community and raise questions about the regulatory framework governing such activities. Stakeholders, including pilot associations and skydiving operators, may need to engage in discussions to enhance safety measures and restore public confidence in skydiving operations.

The FAA has not yet released a timeline for the investigation's findings, but experts predict that results will inform future policies aimed at improving safety standards in the industry. As the community processes this incident, the focus will remain on the health and recovery of those injured and the commitment to preventing future accidents.