Plane Crashes In Norco Prison Yard, Sparks Fire

NORCO (CBSLA) — A fire broke out Monday after a twin-engine plane crashed inside a state prison complex in Norco, authorities said.

The crash was reported about 12:10 p.m. at the California Rehabilitation Center on Fifth Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The plane went down in an area of the prison that is currently under construction, a fire battalion chief said.

Reports from the scene initially indicated it was a Cessna, but Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer says it was a Northrop N-9M aircraft.

The N-9M was a flying wing developed in the 1940s.

There was no immediate word on the condition of the pilot, but no prisoners or staff were reported to be injured. Local authorities told the FAA only the pilot was onboard the aircraft.

A family friend of the pilot told CBSLA's Nicole Comstock he was very experienced and was preparing for the upcoming Chino air show.

"When I looked up I saw bright yellow going from side to side, spun around, went nose-first into the ground," said Susan Fracol. "It's heartbreaking, the pilot's a family friend."

Video apparently shot moments after the crash was shared on social media showing a plume of black smoke in the area.

The NTSB will investigate the plane crash, according to sheriff's officials.

Earlier Monday, six people were killed in a small plane crash in Kerrville, Texas, according to CBS News.

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• Plane Crash