Pilot dies after crashing plane into Deerfield townhome

Chester Wojnicki, president of aviation club, identified as victim in Wednesday night crash

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The president of an aviation club has been identified as the pilot who died after crashing his plane into a townhome and yard in unincorporated Deerfield on Wednesday evening. Chester Wojnicki, 75, of Mount Prospect, was the sole occupant of the plane and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety and the potential risks posed by small private planes in residential areas. Wojnicki had previously been involved in another fatal plane crash in 2009 that killed six people, including four members of his aviation club.

The details

Wojnicki's single-engine plane crashed behind a row of townhomes on Swallow Street, hitting the roof of one townhome and two gas meters, causing structural damage and a small gas leak. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured. Investigators believe Wojnicki was headed to the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, but lost contact with the air traffic control tower prior to the crash. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but low visibility due to fog may have been a factor.

  • The crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • An autopsy was performed on Thursday, March 6, 2026, which determined that Wojnicki died from blunt force injuries.

The players

Chester Wojnicki

The 75-year-old president of the American Polish Aero Club Chicago and the owner of the Cessna plane that crashed.

Lake County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the crash and is investigating the incident in conjunction with federal authorities.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that regulates and oversees aviation in the United States, and is investigating the crash alongside the NTSB.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States, and is leading the investigation into this crash.

Lake County Coroner's Office

The office that performed the autopsy on Wojnicki and determined the cause of death.

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What they’re saying

“Fortunately, it appears the pilot was able to avoid causing major damage to any of the homes and nobody on the ground sustained injuries.”

— Christopher Covelli, Deputy Chief, Lake County Sheriff's Office (lakemchenryscanner.com)

“That is something that investigators will be looking at to see if weather could have played a factor in the crash.”

— Christopher Covelli, Deputy Chief, Lake County Sheriff's Office (lakemchenryscanner.com)

What’s next

The FAA and NTSB will continue their investigation into the cause of the crash, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office will work in conjunction with federal authorities. The sheriff's office also plans to inspect the damage to the townhomes and ensure the gas leak is properly addressed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the potential risks and safety concerns surrounding small private planes operating in residential areas. It also raises questions about aviation club oversight and the need for stricter regulations or safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.