Small plane snaps power pole, overturns in crash in Pacoima parking lot; pilot hospitalized

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A small plane snapped a high-voltage power pole before it overturned and crashed Monday morning in the parking lot of a Pacoima auto parts store, officials said.

The pilot, identified only as a man around 70 years old, was transported to a hospital in critical condition after the crash, which was reported shortly after 11 a.m. in the 10800 block of North San Fernando Road, near Whiteman Airport, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

The pilot was the only person on board. No other injuries were reported.

Video shows a group of good Samaritans lifting the wreckage of the plane, trying to rescue the pilot.

High-voltage power lines were down nearby in the area of Ralston Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, according to the LAFD.

Firefighters were seen covering an apparent fuel spill with hazmat-response gravel near the wreckage of the plane, a white Cessna.

The cause of the crash was unknown.

A statement from the Whiteman Airport Coalition said the plane is owned by Vista Aviation, which operates at the airport. The plane was being rented by the pilot, the statement said.

The L.A. Department of Water and Power worked on securing the power to the lines and LAPD evacuated local businesses and residences as needed for safety, fire officials said.