Urgent Aerial Applicator Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Illinois

UPDATE: A spate of alarming aerial applicator crashes in Illinois has heightened safety concerns, with four incidents occurring in just eight days last month. The latest tragedy involved a plane crash near the Ogle County Airport in Mt. Morris on July 15, 2025, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old pilot.

As summer progresses, rural Illinois is bustling with crop protection activity, but the risks for aerial applicators are now more pronounced than ever. Just days earlier, another plane crashed near Hartsburg on Route 121, fortunately with no injuries reported. Meanwhile, incidents in Wyoming and near Bloomington resulted in minor injuries but no fatalities, according to the National Traffic Safety Board.

The critical window for aerial applications of crop protection products like fungicides and insecticides typically spans June and July. As Kathryn Seebruck, a commercial agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension, highlights, farmers are under severe pressure to protect their crops during this sensitive period, especially given the current economic strain from low crop prices and high input costs.

“Already facing razor-thin margins, farmers strive to set their crops up for success against weather and pests,” Seebruck stated. With planes and helicopters flying low over the fields, the risk of accidents is heightened. Dennis Bowman, a digital agriculture specialist at the same institution, emphasizes the need for alertness among pilots, stating, “Pilots need to take time, not be fatigued, and not let concentration slip.”

In 2025 alone, there have been four fatalities in U.S. aerial applications—two involving helicopters and two with planes. In Illinois, five accidents have been reported this year, including three involving airplanes, one helicopter, and a drone. “There’s a lot of acres that must be sprayed very quickly. That’s when we have accidents,” Bowman added.

The recent uptick in aerial accidents has prompted discussions about the role of technology in improving safety. Drones, which have surged in popularity since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) eased regulations three years ago, offer a promising alternative. Unlike traditional aircraft, drones stay within field boundaries and eliminate the risks associated with carrying large volumes of hazardous materials.

However, while drones present a safer option, they are still limited in capability for large-scale operations. “Manned aircraft can cover hundreds to thousands of acres per day at significantly faster speeds,” Bowman noted. The advantages of manned aircraft remain substantial, particularly as drones are still evolving in terms of battery life and coverage capacity.

As the summer progresses, farmers and pilots alike must navigate this critical season with heightened awareness and patience. “The key thing for farmers is to be patient with the pilots,” Bowman advised, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to ensure safety in the skies.

With aerial application technology continuing to advance, the integration of drones may reshape the landscape of agricultural practices. “Swarms of drones working in coordination will likely overcome many of today’s limitations,” Bowman predicted, highlighting a future where agricultural technology not only enhances efficiency but also improves safety.

As authorities continue to investigate the recent crashes, the agricultural community is urged to stay informed and vigilant. Farmers and pilots are counting on each other to maintain safety during this vital time for crop protection.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.