Pilot Survives Fiery Plane Crash On Busy Hwy 101 In Southern California

ANGOURA HILLS, Calif. (CBS Los Angeles) -- A plane crashed and burst into flames in the middle of the busy 101 Freeway in Southern California Tuesday afternoon, but somehow the pilot managed to survive the impact.

CBS Los Angeles reports the plane landed sometime before 2 p.m. near the center divider on northbound Liberty Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Video from scene showed smoke and flames billowing hundreds of feet into the air.

The pilot and sole occupant escaped the plane unhurt, the fire department said.

Responding firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze sparked by the crash.

There was no report of any injuries, but the aircraft, which had German World War II-era markings, sustained substantial damage, the FAA reported.

The California Highway Patrol urged motorists to avoid the area as traffic is diverted from the crash site. "Please keep the [freeway] shoulders clear for emergency vehicles," they added. CHP said that portion of the freeway will be closed for an unknown duration.

Images on social media from Cynthia Alvarez showed the plane in flames, moments after it crashed.

CBS Los Angeles writes the aircraft was identified by officials as a Forney F-1. The plane was seen with World War II-style decals on its wings.

The Van Nuys airport said the plane involved in Tuesday's crash is from the Condor Squadron vintage flying club.

Officials said the FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash.

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

• Freeway Closure