More images from the plane crash in Wheeling from Larry Shapiro … with a video to follow that includes the recovery and relocation of the plane.
One view of the downed aircraft. Larry Shapiro photo
Wheeling Crash Truck 23 in position to hit any fire that might erupt. Larry Shapiro photo
A severed tree rests on the plane Larry Shapiro photo
Another view of the downed aircraft. Larry Shapiro photo
Wheeling Crash Truck 23. Larry Shapiro photo
Wheeling Engine 23 stands by the crash site as investigators review the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
Firefighters search the plane’s interior. Larry Shapiro photo
A view of the front section of the plane. Larry Shapiro photo
Wheeling’s deputy chief addresses the media. Larry Shapiro photo
A heavy-duty wrecker on the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
A tree is cleared from the plane. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane in a sling for loading onto the flat bed. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane in a sling for loading onto the flat bed. Larry Shapiro photo
Frie’s Towing with heavy equipment at the crash site. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane as secured onto a flatbed. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane as secured onto a flatbed. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane is transported to a storage lot. Larry Shapiro photo
The plane is moved on Milwaukee Avenue. Larry Shapiro photo
Click here to view a gallery with many more images from the plane crash in Wheeling.
#1 by Dan Shevlin on June 28, 2013 - 2:36 PM
Thank you Chief , appreciate the info
#2 by Drew Smith on June 28, 2013 - 12:05 AM
As a deputy chief in Prospect Heights I can answer these questions.
The airport is jointly owned by the Village of Wheeling and the City of PH. It’s like a marriage. They are “tenants in common” with each owning 100% (not 50/50). In addition to the ownership, part lies in the City of PH and part lies within the VoW. That dividing line cannot be seen anywhere other than on a map since no street or other natural feature is present to define it. Also, if a plane taking off or landing is crashing, there is no reliable way to determine where that plane will impact and come to rest. Things could start in one jurisdiction and carry over into another.
Since the late 1990s the PHFD and WFD have an intergovernmental agreement that provides for a joint response to all incidents at Chicago Executive Airport. The joint response results in a unified command. Prior to this there were several factors that affected response and relations between the two FDs. These joint responses involve both FD sending specific apparatus based on the nature of the incident. For aircraft, there are two levels:
Standby/Inbound AC declaring emergency = A9, CT39, B9, CT23, S42, B24
AC crash = above plus A24, E42, E23, S9, Tnk9, 2400, 2401, 900, 901, 3901
Since much time has passed and many of the personalities involved have retired, those that remain have fostered excellent relations. The many new members of both FDs were not involved in the past and only know what has been an excellent relationship for the past 15 or more years. A handful of PHFD part time FFs have been hired full time by WFD in the past ten years.
This relationship has expanded the joint response program to include the Des Plaines river from Lake-Cook road to south of the River road/Milwaukee avenue intersection and Palatine road from Schoenbeck road to the Des Plaines River.
For the river it’s two engines, two ambulances, and two BCs (one from each FD) plus water rescue techs with boats/special apparatus. (I’ll spare the details of their deployment at this time.)
For Palatine road the response is similar to the airport (no crash trucks) with each FD approaching the reported incident from opposite directions to ensure someone arrives in a timely manner,
As for FFs assigned to the crash trucks, the answer is that the CTs are jump companies. E39 staffs CT39 and Station 23 staffs CT23. S42 is 4WD and is staffed by T24.
#3 by Paul Fries on June 27, 2013 - 10:28 PM
Thanks Larry. Your pictures are worth a million words. Hard for us here to describe some of things we find ourselves doing in the middle of the night. Your Video tells it all. What impressed me was not only the cooperation between all the government agencies but also the help received from Chicago Executive and Signature Flight Service personal. I have taken the liberty and forwarded your video to the NTSB which I’m sure will be an aid in their investigation.
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#4 by Dan Shevlin on June 26, 2013 - 7:36 PM
Question … Did I read or hear through word of mouth years ago of a feud between prospect hgts fd & wheeling over who should have control of the airport … I see both crash rigs were here the other night . Was this resolved , does it continue? . Are firefighters assigned to the crash rigs ? Just curious
#5 by Bob on June 26, 2013 - 1:57 PM
Whoa nellie! Boy, this could have been a lot worse! Lucky
#6 by Turk_WLF on June 26, 2013 - 8:19 AM
Larry,
I just want to thank you for taking pictures/video of the recovery, as someone grew up in Towing & Recovery Business.