A tragic plane crash near Hinckley, Illinois, claimed the life of a local pilot and left a young child injured but alive. The crash occurred Saturday afternoon in a farm field just west of the Hinckley Airfield, roughly 50 miles west of Chicago. According to the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office, the pilot has been identified as 51-year-old James A. Beyer, a resident of Maple Park, Illinois.
The incident took place shortly after 2:30 p.m. when a single-engine plane, a 1946 Aeronca 7AC, went down under still-unclear circumstances. Officials from the Hinckley Fire Protection District reported that the aircraft crashed into an open field near the airfield. Emergency crews responded quickly, and deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office performed CPR in an attempt to save the pilot. Sadly, Beyer was declared dead at the scene.
In a surprising and emotional twist, a 3-year-old boy who was also on board the plane survived the crash. The child, also from Maple Park, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He was first taken to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital and later transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Medical staff were able to stabilize his condition, and he is now receiving further care.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials are expected to look into several factors, including possible mechanical failure, weather conditions, and the pilot’s flight history. On Monday, investigators were seen at the crash site collecting evidence and conducting a preliminary assessment.
The small community of Maple Park is mourning the loss of James A. Beyer, who is being remembered as a passionate pilot and dedicated family man. As neighbors offer support to the grieving family, many are also thankful that the young child survived the tragic event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in flying, even in routine trips using small private aircraft.
While the investigation continues, the FAA and NTSB are expected to release more details in the coming weeks. A full report on the crash could take months. In the meantime, the community remains hopeful for the child’s full recovery and for answers about what caused this devastating accident.
