Cessna 180G Skywagon Plane crash
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM Central Daylight Time, a Cessna 180G Skywagon (N4679U) crashed near Trilla, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants. The aircraft N4679U, manufactured in 1964, was destroyed upon impact after striking power lines about 35 feet in height.
N4679U Flight Details
N4679U had departed from Muhlenberg County Airport (M21) in Greenville, Kentucky, and was en route to Menomonie Municipal Score Field (KLUM) in Wisconsin. According to flight history data, N4679U had originally departed from its home base in Menomonie, Wisconsin, on April 16, 2025, and made stops at Muhlenberg County Airport and John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee.
On the day of the accident, the pilot had returned to M21 to retrieve a passenger’s purse that had been inadvertently left at the airport. After refueling N4679U with 12.81 gallons of aviation fuel, the aircraft departed northbound, with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data showing it proceeding toward Mattoon, Illinois.
- Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Time: 10:16 CDT
- Type: Cessna 180G Skywagon
- Owner/Operator: Private (Ross Nelson)
- Registration: N4679U
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 18051379
- Year of Manufacture: 1964
- Maximum Capacity: 4 persons
- Fatalities: 4 (All occupants)
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 140 knots (161 mph)
- Location: near Trilla, IL
- Phase of Flight: En route
- Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
- Departure airport: Muhlenberg County Airport, KY (M21)
- Destination airport: Menomonie Municipal Score Field, WI (KLUM)
The Cessna 180G Skywagon is recognized in the aviation community for its versatility and durability. It features a Continental O-470-S engine producing 230 horsepower, and is a conventional gear (tailwheel) aircraft known for its STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capabilities. As a tailwheel aircraft, the Cessna 180 requires specific handling techniques and regular proficiency for safe operation, particularly during takeoff and
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Landing Phases Weather Conditions
Weather conditions at the time of the crash were poor, with surveillance video from a location near the accident site depicting overcast clouds and light rain. Weather reports from nearby Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO) indicated broken cloud layers at 400 feet and 2,500 feet, with an overcast layer at 7,000 feet. The temperature and dew point were both 14°C, indicating high humidity and potential for reduced visibility.
The METAR at KMTO around the time of the accident (1453Z, approximately 23 minutes before the crash) showed:
METAR KMTO 191453Z AUTO 29007KT 10SM BKN004 BKN025 OVC070 14/14 A3001 RMK AO2 RAE43 PRESRR SLP161 P0004 60015 T01390139 51004
Just after the accident (1512Z), winds had increased significantly:
METAR KMTO 191512Z AUTO 31019G22KT 8SM BKN005 OVC021 13/13 A3005 RMK AO2 T01330128
These METARs indicate deteriorating conditions with low ceilings and increasing wind, challenging conditions for a VFR-only pilot.
Witnesses and Crash Scene
A witness reported hearing an airplane overhead with an “unusually low” engine sound, similar to that of a “crop duster.” The engine noise from N4679U increased, as if the aircraft was attempting to climb, followed by an explosion and a fireball beyond the tree line. The witness noted that it had recently stopped raining but was “misting” at the time of the accident.
N4679U was located on a county road approximately 8 nautical miles south of Coles County Memorial Airport. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane struck power lines before ground impact. The debris path extended approximately 100 feet along a 227° magnetic heading, and the wreckage was highly fragmented.
Victims
The four victims of the crash have been identified as:
- Ross Nelson, 46 (pilot) – Owner of Nelson Refrigeration in Menomonie
- Raimi Rundle, 45
- Courtney Morrow, 36
- Michael Morrow, 48
All four were residents of Menomonie, Wisconsin, and were returning home after a trip to Nashville.
gofundme Honoring Ross & Raimi: A Fund for Their Children
Pilot Information
The pilot of N4679U, Ross Nelson, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He did not possess an instrument rating. Initial review of his logbook revealed that he had accumulated approximately 300 hours of total flight experience as of October 2024. As a non-instrument rated pilot, Nelson would have been required to maintain VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions throughout the flight.
NTSB Report Status
As of May 15, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report regarding the fatal crash of a Cessna 180G Skywagon (registration N4679U) near Trilla, Illinois, on April 19, 2025. The report details the circumstances of the accident but does not yet provide a definitive cause.
Key Findings from the Preliminary Report
- Flight Overview: The aircraft departed from Muhlenberg County Airport (M21) in Greenville, Kentucky, en route to Menomonie, Wisconsin. The pilot had returned to M21 earlier that day to retrieve a passenger’s forgotten item and refueled before departure.
- Weather Conditions: At the time of the accident, weather conditions included overcast skies, light rain, and mist, with a broken ceiling at 500 feet above ground level. Visibility was reported at 8 miles, and wind speeds were 19 knots with gusts up to 22 knots from the northwest.
- Accident Details: Witnesses reported hearing an unusually low engine sound, followed by an increase in engine noise, an explosion, and observing a fireball. The aircraft struck 35-foot-high power lines before impacting a county road approximately 8 nautical miles south of Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO) in Mattoon, Illinois. The wreckage was highly fragmented, and all major components were located within the debris field.
- Pilot Information: The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land but did not possess an instrument rating. As of October 2024, he had accumulated approximately 300 hours of total flight experience.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, and a final report determining the probable cause of the accident is expected to be released within 12 to 24 months. The final report will provide a comprehensive analysis, including any contributing factors and safety recommendations.ABC News
For the most current information and updates on this investigation, you can visit the NTSB’s official website:
Community Impact and Safety Considerations
The loss of six lives in this accident has deeply affected the New York community, particularly those connected to the tourism industry and aviation community. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of:
Thorough Pre-Flight Inspections: Ensuring all systems are functional before takeoff.
Rigorous Maintenance Protocols: Following manufacturer guidelines for all service intervals.
Weather Awareness: Understanding conditions that may impact flight stability.
Passenger Safety Briefings: Ensuring all passengers understand emergency procedures.
Helicopter tour operations in New York City have faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with previous incidents prompting calls for stricter regulations and safety measures.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Cessna 180G Skywagon (N4679U) to crash in Illinois?
While the official cause determination will come from the NTSB’s investigation, preliminary information suggests the non-instrument rated pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions with low ceilings and reduced visibility. The aircraft struck power lines approximately 35 feet above ground level before the final impact.
Could weather have been a factor in the N4679U crash?
Weather appears to be a significant factor in this accident. METAR reports from nearby Coles County Memorial Airport (KMTO) indicated broken cloud layers at 400 feet and 2,500 feet, along with overcast conditions and light rain. These conditions would be challenging for a VFR-only pilot.
Are Cessna 180 Skywagon aircraft generally considered safe?
The Cessna 180 series has a good safety record when properly maintained and operated within its limitations. It has been a reliable aircraft in general aviation since the 1950s, particularly valued for its utility and STOL capabilities. Like all aircraft, proper training, maintenance, and operational decision-making greatly influence its safety.
What can pilots learn from this accident?
This accident reinforces several critical safety principles: (1) the importance of conservative weather decision-making, especially for VFR pilots; (2) the dangers of low-level flight in poor visibility; (3) the need for alternative plans when weather deteriorates; and (4) maintaining appropriate altitude to clear obstacles.
How common are weather-related accidents involving Cessna 180 aircraft?
While the Cessna 180 has an overall good safety record, NTSB data shows that weather-related accidents are a significant concern across all general aviation aircraft, including the Cessna 180 series. VFR flight into IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) remains one of the deadliest scenarios in general aviation.
Could better training have prevented this accident?
While it’s impossible to know definitively, instrument training, even for pilots who don’t intend to get an instrument rating, can help them recognize deteriorating weather conditions earlier and make better decisions. The FAA’s WINGS program and type-specific training courses are valuable resources for maintaining proficiency.
How does the lack of an instrument rating affect flight safety?
Pilots without instrument ratings are limited to flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). When weather deteriorates, non-instrument rated pilots have fewer options and must divert or turn back rather than continuing through poor visibility or low ceilings. Instrument ratings provide additional capabilities and training for safely navigating in clouds or low visibility.
When will the final investigation report be released?
NTSB investigations typically take between 12-24 months to complete. A preliminary report is usually issued within 30 days of the accident, followed by a factual report, and finally, a probable cause determination.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those lost in this tragic accident.
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SMALL PLANE CRASH IN ILLINOIS CLAIMS FOUR LIVES ✈️💥
— BigMediaBox (@BigMediaBox) April 20, 2025
A single-engine Cessna C180G crashed in a field near Trilla, Illinois, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, killing all four aboard—two men and two women.
The plane, departing Menomonie, Wisconsin, struck power lines around 10:15… pic.twitter.com/LUP5eGahOk