On The Record

Plane Crash

On 08/20/23 at approximately 8:39 am, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to S. Steele Rd. and W. Steele Rd. for multiple reports of a possible plane crash.

Witnesses stated they observed a plane which appeared to be in distress fly low and never reappear. Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Deputies, Hanover Fire Department, Elizabeth Fire Department, Elizabeth EMS and AirCare began to search the area for a downed airplane.

Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Deputies located the pilot, Daniel W. Helsper, 69 of Anamosa, IA, on IL Rt. 84 S. a short distance from his airplane which...