C-FITAQP: 10b) SUICIDE

Wittman W-8 | N9424H

Poplar Grove, Illinois

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateFebruary 14, 2026
  • Local time6:00 PM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightApproach
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1
  • AirportC77

Accident Location

City, State
Poplar Grove, Illinois
Latitude
42.310222
Longitude
-88.839497
Airport ID
C77

Aircraft Info

N Number
N9424H
Make
Wittman
Model
W-8
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
Yes

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
McClung, Richard Clarke
Gender
Male
Age
83
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
Basic Med
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Approach
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
10b) SUICIDE →

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

The DTSB determines the cause of this accident to be Pilot Suicide. The accident pilot lived in Rockford, Illinois but flew to this location after being served another new civil lawsuit regarding sexual abuse stemming from a string of similar LDS child abuse cases in the past. The accident pilot did intentionally dive his aircraft into a residence located at 328 Spring Meadow Drive, Poplar Grove, Illinois. The name of the resident at this address or the relationship to the accident pilot has not yet been released.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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