Coroner IDs 75-Year-Old Pilot Killed In Plane Crash Behind Deerfield Townhomes

DEERFIELD, IL — A pilot died following a single-engine aircraft crash late Wednesday behind a row of townhomes in unincorporated Deerfield. The Federal Aviation Administration was notified of the incident is assisting in the investigation at the crash site, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The deceased has been identified as Chester Wojnicki, of Mount Prospect, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office. The agency said Thursday afternoon Wojnicki died from blunt force injuries as a result of the crash.

Authorities report the pilot was able to avoid causing major damage to any of the homes. No one on the ground sustained injuries as a result of the crash.

Police were dispatched to the the 800 block of Swallow Street at around 9:45 p.m. for a report of a downed aircraft. In addition to the sheriff's office, the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District and several other fire agencies also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, the first responders located a single-engine aircraft, which appeared to be occupied only by the pilot, who was pronounced dead.

Police said the aircraft struck the roof area of one townhome and two gas meters. A small gas leak resulted from the impact, but Nicor Gas officials were on scene and brought it under control.

First responders remained on the scene through the overnight hours. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into the crash with the FAA and other federal officials, as the incident involves an aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board is also assisting.