Deerfield, Ill. – A single-engine aircraft crashed into a townhome area late Wednesday, March 4, killing the pilot and prompting an FAA response in Lake County.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched about 9:45 p.m. to the 800 block of Swallow Street in unincorporated Deerfield for a report of a downed aircraft. Deputies arrived with the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District and other fire agencies and located a single-engine plane that had crashed behind a row of townhomes.
The aircraft appeared to be occupied only by the pilot, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said. The pilot’s name was not released.
Investigators said the aircraft struck the roof area of one of the townhomes and also hit two gas meters. A small gas leak was reported but was under control, and Nicor Gas officials were at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said it appeared the pilot was able to avoid causing major damage to any of the homes. No one on the ground was reported injured.
First responders were expected to remain on scene through the overnight hours as the area was secured and the investigation began, the sheriff’s office said.
Because the incident involved an aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration was notified and was en route, according to the sheriff’s office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it will investigate in conjunction with the FAA and federal officials.
Residents in the area may notice ongoing emergency activity and limited access near the 800 block of Swallow Street as crews work, officials said. Commuters heading through nearby residential streets late Wednesday and early Thursday could see intermittent closures and utility work tied to the damaged gas meters.
The sheriff’s office did not immediately release details on the aircraft’s origin, destination or what may have caused the crash.
