UPDATE: Huntley resident dies after ultralight aircraft crashes

HUNTLEY – Deputy Chief Michael Klunk of the Huntley Police Department, issued a press release detailing an ultralight accident that occurred at approximately 6:54 p.m. on Saturday, April 3.

According to the statement issued by Klunk, the police department alongside the Huntley Fire Protection District responded to the scene where the lightweight aircraft had crashed. The location of the accident was around the area of Powers Road and Samantha Lane, in an open field behind the Culver’s restaurant located at 12950 S Illinois Route 47.

The ultralight operator was a 54-year-old man that sustained injuries from the rapid descent from several hundred feet. The man was treated by paramedics on scene and was then transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital.

As of April 4, it has been announced that the 54-year-old ultralight operator identified as James W. McCulla Jr. of Huntley, has passed away. An autopsy is scheduled for April 5 by the McHenry County Coroner’s office to determine the cause of death.

Witnesses at the scene told police that the ultralight aircraft took off from the immediate area where shortly after, the aircraft began to go into a slow spin, eventually striking the ground.

The aircraft was described as a carbon paramotor ultralight, which according to Klunk’s statement, is essentially a parachute with a fan motor attached to the operator.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States does not require any kind of pilot license or a medical certificate to operate an “ultralight vehicle.” These aircrafts are not required to meet the airworthiness certification standards specified for aircrafts.