LAS VEGAS -- We're learning more about the family who lost its home in Thursday’s fatal plane crash in northwest Las Vegas.

Tenants said the death toll could have been much worse if the crash happened any later in the day.

Miguel Castillo said that despite losing half his home and everything in it, he considers his family lucky.

He said if the crash happened just two hours later, there would have been at least 30 people inside the house for Bible study.

“I was in the back yard cooking the big ribs and listening to the 'Scratch! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!'” Castillo said.

He said he had no idea what struck his house Thursday afternoon.

“I said, ‘What happened?’ and my face -- see the explosion in my face -- Boom!” Castillo said.

Once he realized it was a small plane that crashed into his garage, he said he sprung into action.

“I run for my two kids, my wife and one friend -- go outside,” Castillo said.

Five people who were inside the house survived the crash, but Castillo's wife, who is 7 months pregnant, was sent to University Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

Family members said the pilot, Bill Leahy, 38, of California, was killed.

Officials have not confirmed his identity but said the pilot was a professional with thousands of hours of flight time.

Investigators said the pilot called for an emergency landing before the twin-engine Piper Navajo clipped a tree, took down power lines and rattled an entire neighborhood.

“I got very lucky. Like I said, when I was coming down the street, I thought it was my house we just moved in. I was very lucky,” said neighbor Wayne Steele.

Castillo also called himself lucky but said he can't believe how fast his life was flipped upside down.

“My kid’s bedroom – gone – everything -- comforter, TV, clothes -- everything is gone,” Castillo said.

He said doctors gave his wife several exams on Friday. He said the mother and baby are doing OK.

It was not yet known when she would be released from the hospital.