Regulations & Safety
Twin-Engine Plane Crash at DuPage Airport Kills Two in Illinois
A Piper PA-30 crashed shortly after takeoff at DuPage Airport, Illinois, killing two. NTSB and FAA are investigating the incident amid clear weather conditions.
This article summarizes reporting by CBS News and Todd Feurer.
Two individuals were killed Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois. According to reporting by CBS News, local authorities and federal investigators responded to the scene immediately following the incident.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. CST on December 17, 2025. Emergency responders found the aircraft in a snow-covered area near the runway, where both occupants were pronounced dead. As of Thursday morning, the identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their next of kin.
The aircraft involved has been identified as a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, a light twin-engine monoplane often used for personal touring and flight training. Reporting indicates that the aircraft sustained significant front-end damage upon impact. The flight was in its initial departure phase when the accident occurred.
According to CBS News, the West Chicago Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were among the first agencies to respond. The airport was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency operations and scene documentation.
In a statement regarding the loss of life, the DuPage Airport Authority expressed their condolences:
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed the lead role in the investigation, with support from the FAA. An NTSB investigator was scheduled to arrive at the crash site on Thursday, December 18, to begin the on-scene examination.
Investigators are expected to focus on three primary categories, the pilot’s history and performance, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the operating environment. While a preliminary report is typically expected within two to three weeks, a final determination of probable cause may take up to two years. Meteorological data from the time of the crash suggests that weather was likely not a primary adverse factor. Conditions at 1:50 p.m. were reported as:
Despite the clear skies, the ground remained snow-covered from a previous winter storm, which may complicate the physical recovery of debris.
DuPage Airport (KDPA) serves as a critical general aviation hub for the Chicago metropolitan area. It is the third-busiest airport in Illinois, handling approximately 133,000 annual operations. The facility relieves traffic from O’Hare and Midway and is frequently used by corporate jets and flight schools.
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche was manufactured between 1963 and 1972. It is known for its fuel efficiency and speed but, like many light twin-engine aircraft, requires specific pilot proficiency to manage engine-out scenarios, particularly during the critical takeoff phase.
While it is too early to speculate on the cause of this specific tragedy, the timing of the crash, shortly after takeoff, highlights one of the most dangerous phases of flight. General aviation accident statistics frequently point to the departure leg as a moment of high workload and low altitude, leaving pilots with limited options in the event of a mechanical failure.
With weather conditions reported as clear and calm, investigators will likely scrutinize the aircraft’s maintenance logs and the engine performance during the climb-out. The “routine” nature of the flight, occurring in excellent visibility, underscores the unpredictable nature of aviation incidents.
Fatal Small Plane Crash Reported at DuPage Airport
Incident Details and Immediate Response
Investigation and Environmental Factors
Weather Conditions
Background: DuPage Airport and the Piper PA-30
AirPro News Analysis
The Critical Nature of Takeoff
Sources
Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago