4 killed in small plane crash in downstate Illinois

An investigation is underway in downstate Illinois after a small single-engine plane crashed on a rural roadway, according to Illinois State Police.

Authorities said state troopers responded at around 10:15 a.m. to the area of 551-587 County Road 1400 N., located approximately three miles south of Mattoon near the border between Coles and Cumberland counties in Trilla.

According to officials, the roadway is currently shut down as the aircraft remains in its crash site.

Four people were onboard the aircraft, which was a Cessna 180, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Officials stated there were two men and two women aboard, all from out of state.

Officials said an NTSB investigator will arrive on scene tomorrow and begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft.

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records: 

• Flight track data 
• Recordings of any air traffic control communications 
• Aircraft maintenance records 
• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident 
• Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience 
• 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight 
• Witness statements 
• Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation 
• Any available surveillance video

There was no further information available.