Four Killed in Tragic Cessna 180 Crash in Coles County, Illinois, as NTSB Launches Investigation

A tragic incident occurred in Coles County, Illinois, on Saturday morning when a small, single-engine plane crashed, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 180, struck power lines before crashing into a field near County Line Road in Trilla, approximately three miles south of Mattoon. The crash was reported at around 10:15 a.m. local time, according to information from the Illinois State Police and the Coles County Sheriff’s Office.

The victims of the crash were identified as two men and two women from Menomonie, Wisconsin. The plane had departed from Menomonie before the unfortunate incident took place. The Coles County Coroner confirmed the fatalities, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his condolences and concern through a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He stated that his administration is closely monitoring the situation and keeping those affected by the tragedy in their thoughts. The governor’s message reflects the broader community’s sentiment as they come to terms with the loss.

The NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash, while local authorities continue to manage the aftermath. The incident has drawn attention to the safety of small aircraft operations and the potential hazards posed by power lines in flight paths. As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the factors that led to this devastating event.