Body of Jeffrey Carpenter, 50, recovered after ultralight aircraft crashes in Fox River

DAYTON, Ill. (WLS) -- An adventure turned tragic in LaSalle County west of Chicago when a powered ultralight aircraft crashed Monday night in the Fox River near Ottawa, killing one person.

People in the area are used to seeing a lot of recreational aircraft. They have an enthusiastic skydive community and Jeffery Carpenter, the man who died, was an active participant in the community and worked at the skydive shop not far from the accident site.

PHOTOS: Crews search for ultra glider passenger in Fox River

Apparently, Carpenter, from Chicago, went for a ride Monday evening and something went terribly wrong over Fox River.

The craft stopped 50 feet below the Dayton Dam and it will stay there until conditions improve, as officials say it is too dangerous to move.

Nearby residents tell us the river is 20 feet higher than normal with more debris and stronger current.

"To me they shouldn't have been around here because of the high water. This is a bad spot for high water and running real bad," said resident Dan Szobar.

It was treacherous early Tuesday morning for trained rescue personnel as they walked into the elevated fast water of the Fox River, where they were able to recover the Carpenter's body.

"He was entrapped and he was still in his harness. The rescuers had to remove him from his harness and he was fully submerged," said Chief Michael Garrison, Marseilles Fire Department.

The ultralight craft may have been a powered parachute. The type of craft is still under investigation.

Local authorities say it left a nearby airport Monday evening. The pilot told investigators they ran into trouble over the river.

"They knew that the aircraft was going down, they were having engine trouble. The pilot knew it and he communicated that to his passenger," said LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton.

The pilot was able to cut himself out and float downstream until he could swim to shore.

He told investigators they crashed in the River about 8:30 p.m. 911 was called after 10 p.m.

Rescuers tried to reach Carpenter Monday night, but could not get to him until Tuesday due to the water conditions.

Some in the area recall seeing an ultralight that looked to be in trouble Monday.

"I'm used to seeing them, but it was just really, really scary because he was flying way too low," said resident Connie Reppine.

Aside from the engine trouble, there was mist over the river at dusk Monday night.

"Common sense tells me that this is pretty dangerous to be out in the weather conditions we have, plus in the dark evening hours to be over the water," Sheriff Templeton said.

The remains of the craft will remain in the river at least a few more days until conditions are safer for officials to retrieve it.

FAA investigators were on the scene, but want to get a closer look to figure out exactly what the rules, restrictions and regulations are for that type of vehicle, but they have not specifically named what type of craft it is.

The pilot was hospitalized, but has been released.