Butler Hill Restricted Landing Area

The specific reason for the closure is not publicly recorded. As a private Restricted Landing Area, the decision to close was almost certainly made by the property owner. Common reasons for the closure of such private airstrips include the sale of the land, the owner ceasing flying activities due to age or health, prohibitive insurance costs, or liability concerns. The closure was not related to military conversion, a major accident, or broader economic factors affecting public airports.

As of the early 2020s, satellite imagery of the location (41.738098, -89.162498) shows that the physical grass runway is still clearly visible and appears to be well-maintained and mowed. Despite its physical appearance, the airport is officially and permanently closed. The site is private property, integrated with the surrounding agricultural land and a nearby residence. The former runway now functions simply as a large, open field on private land.

Butler Hill was a privately owned and operated turf airstrip. Its designation as a 'Restricted Landing Area' (RLA) meant its use was legally restricted to the owner and individuals specifically authorized by the owner; it was not open to the public. Its historical significance is minimal and entirely local. Operations would have consisted of small, single-engine general aviation aircraft used for personal and recreational purposes. It served no commercial, industrial, or military function.

There are no known plans or prospects to reopen the Butler Hill Restricted Landing Area. For it to be reactivated as an official airport, the current landowner would need to initiate and complete the full registration process with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the FAA. Given that it was a small, private-use strip, the likelihood of a future owner undertaking this process is considered extremely low to non-existent.