3 Hurt in Small Plane Crash in Phoenix

Plane struck two homes before landing nose-down in backyard, injuring pilot, instructor, and resident

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A small Piper PA-28 plane carrying a student pilot and flight instructor struck two homes in north Phoenix on Wednesday before landing nose-down in a backyard, injuring the three people on board as well as a man in one of the homes.

Why it matters

Small plane crashes in residential areas can pose significant risks to public safety, property damage, and disrupt local communities. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance around aviation safety and emergency response protocols in urban environments.

The details

The plane had one of its wings torn off and ended up nose-down next to a swimming pool in the backyard of the second home it hit. The missing wing landed on top of the first home's damaged tile roof. The instructor, student pilot, and the injured man from one of the homes were all taken to a hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Piper PA-28

A small private plane that was involved in the crash.

Deer Valley Airport

The nearby airport the plane was headed to when the crash occurred.

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What’s next

The Federal Aviation Administration will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and emergency preparedness in urban areas, where small plane crashes can have significant impacts on local communities.