FAA: A Hughes 369D Model Helicopter Crashed Into Mississippi River Barge

ALTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the type of aircraft involved in the crash into a barge in the Mississippi River near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam as a Hughes 369D helicopter.

Crystal Essiaw, a spokesperson for the FAA, said the time of the accident was 11:05 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, and also confirmed the aircraft did crash into a barge on the Mississippi River.

The Hughes 369D is a light turbine helicopter that is a versatile aircraft and is described as one known for speed, maneuverability, and compact size.

The FAA also confirmed again that two people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash, and they died.

"The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry and providing updates as they become available," the FAA said.

The FAA described the information as preliminary and subject to change.

The FAA plans to post a preliminary accident report, typically the next business day, on its website. Once investigators verify the aircraft’s registration number, it will be searchable through the FAA’s database.

The FAA and NTSB have not released any further details at this time.

More like this:

Father and Son: Two Oklahoma Residents Die In Plane Crash Near Waterloo

Jul 10, 2026

Duckworth Joins Blumenthal In Reintroducing Legislation To Protect Airline Passengers And Crew From Toxic Cabin Air

Aug 15, 2026

Bost Announces $2.3 Million In FAA Grants For Southern Illinois Airports

4 days ago

Multiple Fatalities Confirmed In Area Plane Crash

Jul 10, 2026

Duckworth Urges FAA to Reject Trump’s ‘Triumphal Arch’ Over Airspace Safety Concerns

Jun 18, 2026