Small plane crash in downstate Illinois: 4 people from Wisconsin killed, NTSB investigating

TRILLA, Ill. - Four people were killed Saturday morning after a small plane struck power lines and crashed in a field near downstate Trilla, officials said.

What we know:

The crash happened around 10:15 a.m. on County Road 1400 N., about three miles south of Mattoon near the border of Coles and Cumberland counties, according to Illinois State Police.

The aircraft, a Cessna 180, had four people on board when it struck powerlines and crashed into a field, according to the FAA and NTSB. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Two men and two women were killed in the crash, according to Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers. They were identified Sunday as Ross R. Nelson, 46; Raimi A. Rundle, 45; Courtney L. Morrow, 36, and Michael H. Morrow, 48. All the victims are from Menomonie, Wisconsin.

The plane crash forced a temporary closure of a nearby roadway as emergency crews responded. It’s unknown how long the road will remain closed.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the crash scene on Sunday. 

"The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation," the NTSB said Saturday. 

What they're saying:

According to the NTSB, the crash investigation will involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. 

"As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records: 

• Flight track data 
• Recordings of any air traffic control communications 
• Aircraft maintenance records 
• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident 
• Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience 
• 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight 
• Witness statements 
• Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation 
• Any available surveillance video

During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident," the NTSB said in a statement. 

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker reacted to the crash on social media.

"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. Thank you to the first responders who rushed to the scene. Please follow the guidance of officials as they provide assistance."

What we don't know:

It's unclear what led to the crash at this time. 

According to the NTSB, a preliminary report on the crash investigation will be available within 30 days. 

We'll bring more updates to this story as they become available.