The Illinois State Police are investigating the fatal crash of a small aircraft believed to have gone down in the Shawnee National Forest yesterday.
The single engine plane was destined for Marion, Ill. but never arrived. After losing contact with the pilot, law enforcement and first responders conducted a thorough search of rural Pope County.
At approximately 6:35 PM, the plane was discovered in Shawnee National Forest.
Authorities are withholding releasing the identities of the victims until family members are notified and haven't revealed the number of passengers aboard the craft, but say that there were no survivors.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are also investigating the crash.