Hinckley plane crash: Pilot killed in crash near airfield ID'd as James Beyer, 3-year-old relative injured: DeKalb County sheriff
Share and Follow

HINCKLEY, Ill. (WLS) — A man has been identified after he was killed and a toddler related to him was injured in a small plane crash just past the west suburbs, officials said.

The crash happened around 2:33 p.m. Saturday in a farm field just west of Hinckley Airfield, 12747 US-30, in Hinckley, Illinois, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said.

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

The pilot of the small plane, 51-year-old James Beyer of Maple Park, was killed in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff said Sunday.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
The truth about Aaron Rodgers's secret wife

Unveiling the Mystery: Aaron Rodgers’ Secret Marriage Shocks Fans and Media Alike

A question swirling around the NFL has left fans and insiders intrigued:…
The wind shield of a Chicago police vehicle is smashed as people protesting the actions of federal immigration agents in Little Village clash with Chicago police officers Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Chicago Authorities Investigate Reported Gunfire Directed at Federal Agents During Immigration Operations

On Saturday, Chicago police officers were dispatched to investigate reports of gunfire…
Suspected suburb jihadis fueled by social media, assimilation lapses in homegrown terror plot, expert warns

Expert Reveals Social Media Influence and Assimilation Gaps in Suburban Jihadist Terror Threat

Six young men, aged between 19 and 21 and originating from three…
Browns reveal Shedeur Sanders' role ahead of Jets matchup

Browns Announce Shedeur Sanders’ Positioning for Upcoming Clash with Jets

Say goodbye to casual attire for Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski…
Manhunt underway after gunman allegedly fires at federal agents during Chicago immigration enforcement action

Intense Search Launched for Suspect Accused of Shooting at Federal Agents in Chicago Immigration Operation

Authorities are actively searching for a suspect who is believed to have…
US has revoked 80K nonimmigrant visas: State Dept.

State Department Announces Revocation of 80,000 Nonimmigrant Visas in the US

The Trump administration has prioritized national security, leading to the revocation of…
Donald Trump wants NFL team to name $3.7billion stadium after him

Donald Trump Proposes Naming Rights for $3.7 Billion NFL Stadium

Reports have surfaced that Donald Trump is keen on having the Washington…

Tragic Fall Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Man Near Grand Canyon’s Skywalk Attraction

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A tragic accident claimed the life of a 65-year-old…