NTSB To Investigate Single-Engine Plane Crash In Compton
COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — A pilot was recovering Thursday from injuries sustained in a single-engine plane crash that occurred in the backyard of a home in Compton.
Around 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, a Piper PA28 airplane experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from the Compton/Woodley Airport, according to the Compton Fire Department.
"The plane was in the air for a few minutes," explained Interim Fire Chief Brian Batiste. "The pilot attempted to land the plane on Central Avenue, but was unable to."
Authorities said the pilot was subsequently forced to make an emergency landing in the backyard of a home located in the 1800 block of Reeve Street.
No homes or power lines were damaged as a result of the crash.
Officials reported the yard sustained minor destruction.
Upon their arrival, paramedics transported the pilot to a hospital for treatment of a deep cut located above his left eye.
According to Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum -- a non-profit organization that helps teach children to fly -- the pilot was an older student and an employee of the museum who may have just gotten his license to fly.
The airplane belonged to the museum.
Officials said the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to conduct an investigation into the crash.
The wreckage has not yet been removed from the resident's yard.