Single engine plane makes hard landing in field off of Route 127

A single engine aircraft made an emergency landing in Pinckneyville on Friday, damaging the plane but not injuring the two people on board.

The pilot of the 1973 Bonanza A36 told the Illinois State Police that the plane developed mechanical issues a few minutes after 3:30 p.m., and he was forced to make a hard landing in a field near State Route 127 and Purple Mountain Road. The pilot was identified as Kenneth J. Loggins, 61, of Jonesboro, Arkansas; the passenger was 73-year-old Goldie M. Loggins of Brockwell, Arkansas.

Both refused medical attention at the scene. Police said the plane sustained minor damage.

It is unknown where the flight originated or where it was headed, what caused the engine trouble or if the Logginses were able to fix the plane and fly it out of Pinckneyville.

Illinois State Police District 13, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are continuing the investigation.