Pilot Reports Engine Trouble Before Phoenix Plane Crash
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A small plane crashed into two homes in North Phoenix on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, after the pilot reported engine trouble to air traffic control shortly after departing from Deer Valley Airport. Both occupants of the plane, an instructor and a student pilot, and a resident of the first house struck were hospitalized and in stable condition as of the morning of March 4, 2026.
What Happened?
The Piper PA-28 aircraft crashed around 7:20 a.m. Near Cave Creek Road and Deer Valley Drive, approximately three miles from the airport. According to audio recordings released Thursday, the pilot contacted Deer Valley Tower to report an issue.
“Deer Valley Tower, Turkey 440, we’re going to come back in. We’re having some engine trouble,” the pilot stated.
When asked to identify the nature of the emergency, the pilot replied: “Uh we lost engine RPMs uh it’s not really emergency but uh we can’t make it back to the field.”
The plane subsequently struck the roof of one home before crashing into the backyard of another. Fire department and police responded to the scene.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash and are expected to release preliminary reports within 30 days. A final report could capture several months.
Expert Analysis
Forensic engineering expert Robert Swint, who has investigated aircraft crashes for decades, noted the damage pattern suggests the plane slowed significantly before impact. “It had reached a lower speed by hitting the first roof, followed by the second roof, and then slid across and then went straight down into the backyard,” Swint said. He suggested the impacts with the rooftops may have helped reduce the aircraft’s speed, potentially contributing to the survival of those on board, calling the situation “remarkable.”
Plane Ownership and Flight History
The aircraft is registered to Wayne Dickert of Cave Creek, Arizona, who stated he was out of town at the time of the crash. Dickert indicated the plane was available for rent and had last been flown on February 28, 2026.
Displacement and Support
Two people from each of the homes impacted by the crash were displaced, according to Phoenix fire spokesperson Capt. Todd Keller.
Deer Valley Airport Resources
Deer Valley Airport (DVT) offers pilot services and training through partners such as Cutter Aviation and AeroGuard . AeroGuard’s Phoenix campus, located at the airport, provides flight training programs for aspiring commercial airline pilots . Independent flight instruction is similarly available through services like Pedro Jane .