A tragic plane crash central Illinois claimed the lives of four people on Saturday morning after a single-engine aircraft went down in a rural field near the small community of Trilla.
According to Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers, the victims included two men and two women. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. Authorities are working to confirm the names and contact next of kin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the aircraft involved was a Cessna C180G. The plane crashed shortly after 10 a.m., and initial findings suggest it may have struck power lines prior to going down. The aircraft crashed in a field near County Road 1400 N, just southwest of Coles County Memorial Airport and about three miles south of Mattoon.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have cordoned off the area, and part of the nearby roadway has been shut down as investigators examine the wreckage and collect evidence.
Terrible news out of Coles County.
My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today.
Thank you to the first responders who rushed to the scene.
Please follow the guidance of officials as they provide assistance.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 19, 2025
Coles County first responders, Illinois State Police, and local fire departments were among the multiple agencies that arrived at the crash site. Emergency crews remained on the scene for hours as recovery operations and a preliminary investigation unfolded.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker acknowledged the crash on social media, calling it a “terrible” incident. “Terrible news out of Coles County,” Pritzker wrote. “My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today.”
No further details have been released about where the flight originated or its intended destination. Investigators will examine flight records, maintenance logs, and any possible communications with air traffic control to determine what caused the crash.
This is the second aviation-related investigation currently active in the region, following a rise in small aircraft incidents nationwide. While the Cessna 180 series is considered reliable, aviation experts note that factors such as pilot error, mechanical failure, or environmental conditions will all be examined.
The NTSB said it expects to release a preliminary report within a few weeks, though a full investigation could take several months.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
