The incident happened at about 4:15 p.m., when the single-engine Piper PA28-140 experienced engine trouble after departing from John Wayne Airport. The pilot returned to the airport and crash-landed on a taxiway.
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Airport officials said there was no fire after the landing, but a small fuel leak was contained shortly after.
They said the two people on board the plane suffered only minor injuries.
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The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident.
John Wayne Airport was operating normally, airport officials said.