Four Killed in Small Plane Crash After Striking Power Lines In Illinois

A quiet Saturday morning in rural Illinois turned tragic when a small, single-engine plane crashed into a road and nearby field, killing all four people aboard. The Cessna 180G, which had departed from Menomonie, Wisconsin, went down just after 10:15 a.m. near Trilla, a small unincorporated community southeast of Mattoon.

Authorities say the aircraft likely struck power lines before crashing, scattering debris across County Road 1400 North and a neighboring field. The impact was so powerful it rattled nearby homes and knocked out power in the area.

“My whole house shook,” said Kynnedi Goldstein, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath. She captured video footage showing smoke billowing from the wreckage, which was strewn across the road and surrounding landscape.

The victims have been identified as Ross R. Nelson, 46; Raimi A. Rundle, 45; Courtney L. Morrow, 36; and Michael H. Morrow, 48—all from Menomonie, Wisconsin, a small town about 45 miles northwest of Green Bay. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

First responders from multiple departments—including Coles County Sheriff’s Office, Mattoon Police, and local fire crews—rushed to the site and remained on scene for hours as the wreckage was cleared and investigators began their work.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged the tragedy in a public statement. “Terrible news out of Coles County,” he said. “My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation. A preliminary report confirms the aircraft clipped power lines before crashing, but a full investigation is now underway. Officials are examining everything from the pilot’s credentials and recent activities to weather conditions, maintenance records, and flight path data.

The NTSB says it will take 12 to 24 months to issue a final report with the probable cause.

As the Trilla community reels from the shock, questions remain. But for now, residents and families grieve the loss of four lives and wait for answers.