Two people were killed when their small plane crashed shortly after taking off at DuPage Airport in West Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
A twin-engine Piper PA-30 crashed at the airport around 1:50 p.m. moments after taking off, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Two people were killed after their small plane crashed at DuPage Airport. ABC7 Chicago
The plane was owned by the International Flying Club. NBC ChicagoThe only two people on board the plane were pronounced dead at the scene, DuPage Airport authorities told the Daily Herald.
Officers with the West Chicago Police Department and the West Chicago Fire Protection District rushed to the crash.
The plane suffered significant front-end damage after skidding or crashing nose-first onto the snow-covered grass beside the runway, according to photos taken by the outlet.
The tail and one wing nearly snapped clean off the aircraft. The exterior around the nose was also destroyed, providing a clear look at the mangled cockpit.
Aerial footage captured by ABC 7 also showed a skid mark staining the snow near the tail of the plane.
The outlet reported that the plane was owned by members of the International Flying Club.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Advisory Board are investigating the cause of the crash. NBC ChicagoThe club is based out of DuPage Airport and has four aircrafts in its fleet, including a 1976 Piper Arrow II that its members can rent for $170 an hour, according to its website.
One woman who lives near the airport told ABC 7 that the “timing” of the crash “makes it so much worse.”
“Sorry it happened this close to Christmas, sorry it happened anytime,” Susan Hultgren told the outlet.
The airport is closed until further notice.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
An NTSB investigator is slated to arrive by Thursday morning, the Daily Herald reported.
The Post reached out to DuPage Airport for comment.
