Hinckley plane crash: Pilot killed in crash near airfield ID'd as James Beyer, 3-year-old relative injured: DeKalb County sheriff
Share this @internewscast.com

HINCKLEY, Ill. (WLS) — A man has been identified following his fatality and an injury sustained by a toddler related to him in a small plane crash just beyond the west suburbs, according to officials.

The incident occurred around 2:33 p.m. on Saturday in a farm field located just west of Hinckley Airfield, 12747 US-30, in Hinckley, Illinois, as reported by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The sheriff stated on Sunday that the small plane’s pilot, 51-year-old James Beyer from Maple Park, was killed in the crash and was declared dead at the scene.

A 3-year-old passenger, whose is related to the deceased pilot, had non-life threatening injuries from the plane crash, fire officials said. The child was taken to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb and then Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

The plane that crashed was a single-engine 1946 Aeronca 7 AC, the sheriff said.

The plane remained in the field Saturday evening right next to the Hinckley airport as FAA investigators processed the scene.

It’s not yet clear how the crash happened, and it’s not known if the plane was trying to land or if it had just taken off, with how close the airport is.

The NTSB is now investigating the crash.

No further information was immediately available.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Five days of severe weather targets millions across the South

Southern States Brace for Five-Day Severe Weather Onslaught Impacting Millions

After enduring a tough winter, Americans are eagerly anticipating a fresh start…
Shop holiday gifting deals from cozy cabanas to spa-worthy body care with ABC Secret Savings

Yvette Nicole Brown Shares Her Hopes for Character Pairings in ‘Zootopia 2

LOS ANGELES — Get ready to reunite with Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps,…
St. John’s rallies back from second-half deficit to beat Georgetown, move into tie atop Big East

St. John’s Stages Thrilling Comeback to Overtake Georgetown and Claim Top Spot in Big East Race

St. John’s is on the brink of claiming at least a share…
Texas DA Jose Garza not charging Austin police officers killing bar terrorist Ndiaga Diagne

Texas DA Jose Garza Declines to Charge Austin Police Officers in Fatal Shooting of Bar Attacker Ndiaga Diagne

A forward-thinking district attorney in Texas has decided not to pursue charges…
Local scalper 'Tommy Tickets,' or Thomas Ryan, accused of scamming Huntley woman, others while on probation for Will County crime

Exposed: Notorious Scalper ‘Tommy Tickets’ Strikes Again, Defrauding Huntley Locals Amid Probation

In Huntley, Illinois, a man known as “Tommy Tickets” has gained notoriety…
Schweizer warns 'Pod Force One' about Mexico, China migration

Peter Schweizer Alerts ‘Pod Force One’ on Surging Mexico-China Migration Impact

In a recent discussion on the podcast “Pod Force One,” author Peter…
Suspicious vehicle seized, driver detained outside Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s primary watch party

Suspicious Vehicle Confiscated, Driver Apprehended Near Texas Senate Candidate Ken Paxton’s Primary Watch Event

In Dallas, police officers encountered a suspicious vehicle outside Attorney General Ken…
California lawmakers push bill to extend last call to 4 a.m.

California’s Nightlife Revolution: Lawmakers Advocate for 4 A.M. Last Call to Boost Economy

California’s nightlife may soon receive a much-needed boost, thanks to a fresh…
Tens of thousands of people are stranded in the Middle East as Iran war complicates routes home

Stranded in the Middle East: How the Iran Conflict is Disrupting Global Travel Plans

By STEFANIE DAZIO BERLIN (AP) — As the conflict involving Iran intensifies…
Jacksonville caregiver arrested for stealing nearly $100,000 from patient, SJSO says

Shocking Theft: Jacksonville Caregiver Accused of Embezzling $100K from Vulnerable Patient

Authorities from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office report that between April…
CIA working to arm Kurdish opposition forces to prompt uprising in Iran: report

Exclusive: CIA’s Covert Strategy to Empower Kurdish Rebels and Ignite Change in Iran

According to recent reports, the CIA is reportedly attempting to equip Kurdish…
Father of Georgia high school shooting suspect convicted of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter

Georgia High School Shooting Suspect’s Father Found Guilty of Murder and Manslaughter

The father of a suspect in the Georgia high school shooting has…