A small Piper P-28 plane crashed into two Phoenix homes shortly after takeoff on Wednesday morning, injuring three people. The plane experienced a mechanical issue six minutes after departing from Deer Valley Airport, causing it to crash into one home's roof and then fall into the backyard of an adjacent home.
Key Takeaways
A small plane crashed into two Phoenix homes shortly after takeoff due to mechanical issues, injuring three people. The incident prompted evacuations and an investigation by aviation authorities.
- Small Piper P-28 plane crashes into Phoenix home minutes after takeoff
- Three injured: student pilot, instructor, and a man in one of the homes
- Plane's fuel system ruptured, causing gasoline leak and hazmat response
- Federal Aviation Administration launches investigation into the incident
The incident occurred around 7:20 am near Cave Creek Road and Deer Valley Drive. A witness described hearing 'a big bang' at the time of the crash, similar to a bomb going off or a trash can being slammed. The plane's wing tore off and landed on the roof of the first home, while the fuselage crashed into the backyard next to a swimming pool.
The crash caused significant damage to a baby's room and another bedroom in one of the homes. Fortunately, no children were present at the time. The rupture of the plane's fuel system led to a gasoline leak, prompting a hazardous materials response and evacuations from both affected homes.
Three individuals were injured: a student pilot, an instructor on board the plane, and a man in one of the homes. All three were hospitalized; the man in the home was listed in stable condition. The street was closed off by emergency services as a precaution due to the gasoline spill.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The plane, manufactured in 1968, had been scheduled for a flight lesson with the student pilot who survived the crash.
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