Small Plane Crashes in Poplar Grove, No Injuries

Aircraft hit fence, may have clipped home, but no one hurt in incident

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

A small plane crashed in a residential neighborhood in Poplar Grove, Illinois, hitting a fence between two homes and possibly clipping a nearby residence. Emergency crews responded to the scene and reported a gas leak, but authorities said there were no injuries to anyone on the ground or in the plane.

Why it matters

Plane crashes in populated areas are always concerning, as they pose risks to both the aircraft occupants and residents. This incident highlights the importance of aviation safety and emergency response protocols, as well as the need for continued monitoring and investigation of such events to prevent future occurrences.

The details

The plane crashed in the 300 block of Springmeadow Drive in Poplar Grove, a village in Boone County northwest of Rockford. The aircraft hit a fence between two homes and may have brushed one of the houses. Crews reported a gas leak that brought out utility workers, but no injuries were reported on the ground or in the plane.

  • The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon in Poplar Grove.

The players

Poplar Grove

A village in Boone County, northwest of Rockford, Illinois, that is home to a small general-aviation airport serving private pilots.

Poplar Grove Airport

A small general-aviation airport with the FAA identifier C77, located roughly three miles south of the village of Poplar Grove.

Poplar Grove Airmotive

The fixed-base operator at the Poplar Grove Airport.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

An independent U.S. government investigative agency responsible for civil aviation accidents and incidents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Officials did not immediately say whether federal authorities had been notified. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board typically review crashes that occur away from airports, and the NTSB may send a team to collect evidence at the crash scene and compile a factual report.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for continued vigilance and investigation of such events, even when no one is injured. The crash highlights the potential risks posed by small planes in populated areas and the critical role of emergency responders in mitigating those risks.