Small plane crashes in Pacoima

PACOIMA, Calif. (KABC) -- A single-engine plane crashed on a city street in Pacoima just south of Whiteman Airport Monday afternoon.

Although the aircraft struck several cars on the ground and broke in pieces, the pilot survived and did not complain of injuries, firefighters said.

The pilot of the Mooney M20 was trying to return to Whiteman shortly after takeoff, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the crash.

The pilot was the only person on board and nobody on the ground was injured, officials said.

The crash happened on San Fernando Road about a block south of the airport.

One 18-year-old college student avoided serious injury when the plane struck his Mustang as he was driving near the airport.

Nicolas Jimenez said he saw the plane flying lower but thought it was landing at the airport. When it came close to his car, he swerved and the plane struck the side of his Mustang before crashing to the ground.

"I thought the whole plane was going to be destroyed," Jimenez said. "I thought it was going to be fatal. I was glad to see him walk out like that."