Small Plane Crashes Into Residential Neighborhood In Boone County

NTSB investigating unknown circumstances of Whittman Tailwind crash

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood near Poplar Grove, Illinois on Saturday, according to officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB said the Whittman Tailwind plane crashed "under unknown circumstances" and that investigators are en route to the scene to begin the process of documenting the incident and examining the aircraft.

Why it matters

Plane crashes in residential areas are extremely rare but can pose a serious threat to public safety. The NTSB will work to determine the cause of the crash and whether any steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future to protect local communities.

The details

According to the NTSB, the Whittman Tailwind plane crashed into a residential neighborhood near Poplar Grove, Illinois on Saturday. The agency said the crash occurred "under unknown circumstances" and that investigators are being dispatched to the scene to begin their investigation. No other details about the extent of injuries or damage were immediately available.

  • The plane crashed on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents and incidents.

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What’s next

The NTSB will work to determine the cause of the crash and whether any steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

While plane crashes in residential areas are extremely rare, this incident highlights the importance of robust aviation safety protocols and the NTSB's critical role in investigating such accidents to improve public safety.