Pilot Killed, Toddler Injured in Hinckley Plane Crash Identified by Authorities

Pilot Killed, Toddler Injured in Hinckley Plane Crash Identified by Authorities

HINCKLEY, Ill — A tragic plane crash near the Hinckley Airfield on Saturday afternoon has claimed the life of a local pilot and left a young child injured, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities confirmed that 51-year-old James Beyer, of Maple Park, Illinois, was the pilot of the small aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred around 2:33 p.m. in a farm field just west of Hinckley Airfield, located along US-30 in DeKalb County.

Also on board was a 3-year-old passenger, a relative of Beyer, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. The child was first taken to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb before being transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago for further care. Officials have not released the child’s name but have confirmed the toddler’s condition is stable.

The aircraft involved was identified as a single-engine 1946 Aeronca 7AC, a light aircraft commonly used for recreational flying. The plane came down in a field adjacent to the airport, raising immediate questions about whether it was attempting to land or had just taken off. That detail remains under investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The wreckage remained on-site as investigators worked through Saturday evening to document and assess the scene.

At this time, authorities have not released any preliminary findings about the crash, and it remains unclear what caused the aircraft to go down so close to the airfield.

The community of Maple Park and the aviation circle around Hinckley are mourning the loss of James Beyer, described by those who knew him as a passionate and experienced pilot who enjoyed flying and spending time with family. Support has also poured in for the young child’s recovery.

More updates will be provided as investigators release additional details. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash is urged to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB.