Today, two unrelated plane incidents occurred in Chicago's northwest suburbs. A small aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Cary whilst another plane crashed into a forest preserve in Elk Grove Village three days prior. In both instances, support and aid were swiftly provided by bystanders.
The CBS News reported that during a flight from DuPage Airport to Lake in the Hills Airport, a 26-year-old flight instructor and her student encountered engine failure. Miraculously, the aircraft landed safely on Cary-Algonquin Road near Fox Tails Drive. The occurrence did not result in any injuries and shortly after, the aircraft was relocated to a neighboring church's parking lot. Traffic diversions remained in place for an hour and a half. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are handling the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile in Elk Grove Village, a good Samaritan helped a pilot to safety after his small corporate plane crashed into the Busse Woods Forest Preserve. Bystanders who happened upon the crash site immediately assisted the pilot, who managed to evacuate the aircraft on his own. NBC Chicago reported the incident.
Isaiah Grass, the good Samaritan, was sauntering in the forest preserve when he heard a loud bang. Based on the information shared by other onlookers, a nearby plane crash was suspected. Despite the danger, Grass hurried to the site, discovered the wreckage, and established that the pilot was generally unscathed. He dialed 911 and stayed with the pilot until emergency services arrived, recounting, "You couldn't hear a propeller, you couldn't hear trees, all you heard was a tree snap and a boom, and that's it."
