What Can You Do If You Are Injured in a Small Plane Accident in Illinois?

 Posted on March 31, 2026 in Personal Injury

Most people think of aviation accidents as major commercial airline disasters. But the truth is that most aviation accidents in the United States involve small, private, and charter aircraft, and Illinois is no exception. In fact, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), nearly 90 percent of personal flying accidents involve single-engine, piston-powered airplanes. 

If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in a small plane crash in 2026, you may have legal options for seeking justice. A Lombard, IL aviation accident attorney can help you figure out your next steps.

What Makes a Small Plane Accident Different from a Commercial Airline Crash in Illinois?

Commercial airline accidents are rare. They follow mostly federal law, which includes strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for aircraft upkeep, crew training, and air traffic control. Small plane accidents are different. These include crashes with private planes, charter flights, crop dusters, and helicopters, and the legal process works differently for each.

Illinois law covers general aviation through the Illinois Aeronautics Act, 620 ILCS 5, which sets rules for how aircraft must be operated in the state. When a crash happens, both state law and federal aviation rules can apply. That is part of why these cases are difficult to handle without legal help.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Small Plane Crash in Illinois?

More than one person or company can share the blame for a plane crash. Depending on what happened, any of the following could be at fault:

• The pilot, if the crash was caused by mistakes, poor choices, flying under the influence, or breaking FAA rules

• The aircraft owner, who is required by law to keep the plane in a safe, working condition

• A mechanic or maintenance company, if bad repairs or ignored problems played a role

• An aircraft manufacturer, if a defective part, such as faulty brakes, an engine component, or avionics equipment (the electronic systems that control and navigate the plane), caused or made the crash worse

• A charter company, if it used an unsafe plane or hired a pilot who was not qualified

In some cases, federal law may limit claims against aircraft manufacturers if the plane or its parts are very old. Finding out who is at fault early matters a lot in terms of exploring your options. Key evidence like maintenance records, flight logs, onboard electronics data, and air traffic recordings can become harder to collect over time. The sooner you act, the better chance your legal team has to build a strong case.

What Compensation Can an Illinois Small Plane Accident Victim Recover?

Plane crashes often cause serious injuries like broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe burns. Illinois law allows injured victims to seek money for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced ability to earn money going forward, and pain and suffering.

If a loved one was killed in a small plane crash, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180. This law allows a personal representative to file a claim for the benefit of the surviving spouse and close family members.

How Long Does an Illinois Small Plane Accident Victim Have to File a Lawsuit?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, Illinois gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, that same two-year clock starts from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely lose your right to seek any compensation.

The NTSB and FAA will run their own investigations after a crash, but those are separate from your legal case. You do not need to wait for a federal investigation to end before talking to an aviation accident attorney. The sooner you reach out, the better protected your claim will be.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lombard, IL Plane Crash Attorney

If you or a family member was hurt in a small plane crash in Illinois, you deserve answers, and you should not have to face the legal process alone. That is where the experienced Bloomingdale, IL aviation accident lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices come in. We offer free case evaluations, have three convenient DuPage County offices, and can schedule Saturday and evening appointments to fit your needs. Call 630-932-9100 today.