Fatal plane crash in Wheeling

Updated at 12 AM

Shortly before 3 PM this afternoon, a small plane that had just taken off from the Chicago Executive Airport (also known as Palwaukee) reported engine trouble and began a turn to return to the airport. Unfortunately, the aircraft lost altitude and struck a building on South Wolf Road before crashing into the rear parking lot of an industrial complex. The crash also resulted in damage to two vehicles. There were two people on board. One person was killed in the incident, while the other survived and was found about 30 feet away from the wreckage by first responders. The survivor suffered from burns and multiple fractures. He was quickly stabilized and transported via a Flight-For-Life medical helicopter to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge for further care. A detailed report on the accident is available here. The Wheeling Fire Department and Prospect Heights Fire Department both serve the airport, so they are typically dispatched together for such incidents. Wheeling Engine 23 was the first unit to arrive, and firefighters used hand lines from their truck along with foam from Prospect Heights’ Crash Truck 39 to control the fire. Larry Shapiro was on-site and has shared a gallery of 100 photos here, offering a powerful visual account of the crash and emergency response.
Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

The plane hit one car on impact and the resulting fire damaged several others. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

Firefighters advance a foam line on the crash after the bulk of fire was knocked down by the ARFF. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

The small plane hit several cars in the parking lot in an industrial park just northwest of the Chicago Executive Airport. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

Firefighters douse the smoldering wreckage of a single-engine plane that crashed in Wheeling, IL. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

Wheeling Engine 23 and Prospect Heights Crash Truck 39 handled the suppression of the fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010 Flight for Life medivac

Paramedics transfer care of the patient to the Flight For Life helicopter crew to transport the patient to a trauma center. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010 Flight for Life medivac

The patient is loaded into the helicopter for the trip to the trauma center. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

Part of the debris field is visible along the path the plane took just prior to impact. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling IL fatal plane crash December 22, 2010

One individual perished in the crash and another survived. Larry Shapiro photo

An early cell phone video showing the scene before emergency crews arrived can be viewed here.

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