Small Plane Crashes At Rockford Airport, Injuries Reported

ROCKFORD, IL — Four people were hurt when a small plane crashed Monday evening at Chicago Rockford International Airport. Authorities did not release information on the extent of the passengers' injuries, although airport Deputy Fire Chief Brian Kunce told the Rockford Register-Star two people had to be extricated from the plane, including one unconscious person, one passenger was assisted with exiting the plane and a fourth was "walking wounded."

Wind gusts of more than 30 mph were reported at the time of the crash, although officials could not yet say whether the weather contributed to the incident. All four people aboard the plane, including the pilot, were hurt.

Michelle Cassaro, deputy director of finance and administration for the airport, told the Register-Star that Rockford was the plane's destination, although it was unclear where the flight originated.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

Kunce told ABC 7 Chicago the plane crashed before it reached the airport, but came to a stop on airport grounds. "They struck the ground just east of Falcon Road. They bounced over the road through the fence, the perimeter fence of the airport, and that's where they landed," he told the station.

Airport officials said flights at the airport resumed Monday night, although Falcon Road is expected to remain closed overnight, according to ABC.