Before the pilot of a small plane was killed, the aircraft hit the roof-area of nearby townhomes and two gas meters Wednesday night in unincorporated Deerfield.

Deputies responded to the 800 block of Swallow Street around 9:45 p.m. for a downed aircraft and found the single-engine aircraft crashed behind a row of townhomes, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.

The unidentified pilot, who was the only occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The aircraft struck the roof-area of one of the townhomes as well as two gas meters which caused a “small” gas leak, authorities said. Nicor Gas officials were at the scene and the leak was controlled.

The Lake County sheriff’s office are investigating with the Federal Aviation Administration and federal officials.