Military aircraft possibly dropped fuel over Valley homes

Residents report chemical burns, damage after incident near Phoenix

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. Army is investigating an incident where a military aircraft may have dropped fuel on multiple neighborhoods in the Phoenix, Arizona area, leaving one woman with chemical burns to her eye and causing damage to cars and homes.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about potential safety risks and environmental impacts from military aircraft operations in residential areas, as well as questions about transparency and accountability around such incidents.

The details

Stephanie Bagorio was outside when a liquid substance fell on her, causing an instant reaction that left her in the emergency room. Bagorio and several of her neighbors described a fuel-like chemical that fell from a low-flying helicopter last Thursday, landing on cars and homes off 45th Street and Broadway Road.

  • The incident occurred last Thursday.

The players

Stephanie Bagorio

A resident who was outside when the fuel-like substance fell on her, causing chemical burns to her eye.

U.S. Army

The military branch investigating the incident where a military aircraft may have dropped fuel on Valley neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“The gas fell inside my eyelid.”

— Stephanie Bagorio (ktar.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Army is investigating the incident to determine the cause and whether any safety protocols were violated.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential risks and impacts of military aircraft operations in populated areas, and the need for greater transparency and accountability around such activities to ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.