WHEELING, Ill., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- A small cargo jet crashed in the Des Plaines River Tuesday afternoon while on final approach to Chicago Executive Airport, killing two on board, officials said.
A spokesperson for the airport in Wheeling, Ill., said the Royal Air Freight Learjet went down about 1:30 p.m in the Cook County Forest Preserve about a mile from the runway, WBBM-AM, Chicago, reported. The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was getting ready to land when the accident occurred.
The jet's tail section and fuselage were partially submerged in water in the Des Plaines River, the radio station said.
WGN-TV, Chicago, reported officials said there were two victims and when asked whether both were dead one unnamed official replied, "This is a recovery operation."
The FAA said the aircraft carried the number N720RA on its tail but did not know where the flight originated. WGN said airplane registration records showed the Learjet 35A was registered at 2141 Airport Road in Waterford, Mich.
