Two People Killed After Small Plane Crashes at DuPage Airport
A tragic aviation accident at DuPage Airport in West Chicago claimed the lives of two people on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an investigation by federal authorities and a temporary disruption to airport operations.
According to airport officials, a twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff just before 2 p.m. The plane went down in a snow-covered area near a runway, drawing an immediate response from local emergency crews. Two adult men were on board the aircraft, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of family members.
What Is Known So Far
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates the aircraft was a Piper PA-30, a light twin-engine plane commonly used for personal and training flights. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft had departed from DuPage Airport, which sits near the border of DuPage and Kane counties.
There has been some early uncertainty about the exact phase of flight when the crash occurred. While airport officials initially said the plane went down just after takeoff, preliminary FAA and National Transportation Safety Board information has also referenced the possibility that the crash occurred during landing. Investigators have emphasized that these early details are subject to change as the investigation progresses.
Emergency Response
The West Chicago Fire Department and local police responded within minutes of the crash. About a dozen emergency vehicles were seen surrounding the wreckage by mid-afternoon as responders secured the area and ensured there was no additional danger.
Photographs and video footage from the scene showed the aircraft with significant front-end damage resting in snow near a runway. Due to the extent of the damage, the aircraft’s full registration number—often referred to as the “N-number”—was not clearly visible.
Airport officials issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, saying their thoughts were with those affected by the loss.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash, with support from the FAA. An NTSB investigator was dispatched to the scene and is expected to arrive Thursday morning.
Once on site, investigators will begin documenting the crash area, examining the aircraft’s condition, and collecting perishable evidence. After the initial on-scene work is complete, the aircraft will be recovered and transported to a secure facility for a more detailed evaluation.
The NTSB has stated that its investigations generally focus on three primary factors: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. This includes reviewing pilot experience and training, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, air traffic communications, and any available surveillance or onboard data.
Request for Witness Information
Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant video footage or other information to contact the NTSB directly at [email protected]. Even small details, investigators say, can be important in reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the accident.
Impact on Airport Operations
As of late Wednesday afternoon, DuPage Airport remained partially open. Some operations were affected while emergency crews and investigators worked near the crash site, but officials said there was no indication of ongoing danger to the public.
DuPage Airport is a busy general aviation facility serving private pilots, corporate aircraft, flight training, and emergency services. Incidents of this severity are rare, and airport officials said safety remains their top priority.
What Happens Next
In the coming weeks, investigators will analyze physical evidence, review documentation, and conduct interviews. A preliminary report is typically released within a few weeks, though a final determination of probable cause can take several months or longer.
Until that process is complete, authorities have cautioned against speculation about what caused the crash.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
“This is a tragic incident,” an airport representative said. “We are cooperating fully with federal authorities to understand what happened and to honor those who lost their lives.”
More information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.