On Saturday, April 19, 2025, a tragic plane crash near Trilla, Illinois, claimed the lives of four individuals from Menomonie, Wisconsin. The single-engine Cessna C180G aircraft crashed shortly after 10 a.m. local time after reportedly striking power lines and coming down on County Road 551-587. All four occupants—two men and two women—were pronounced dead at the scene.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft departed from Menomonie, Wisconsin, and was en route to an unspecified destination when it struck power lines and crashed into a field near Trilla, an unincorporated community in Coles County, central Illinois. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud "boom," followed by a brief power outage and smoke rising from the crash site.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency responders, including the Coles County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), arrived promptly at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft struck power lines before crashing.
Official Statements
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "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."
Background on Aviation Safety
This incident underscores the importance of aviation safety and the potential hazards that pilots may encounter, such as power lines and other obstacles. The FAA and NTSB continue to work diligently to investigate such accidents and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families. Authorities urge the public to avoid the crash area as the investigation continues.