1 Dead After Small Plane Crashes In Lake Balboa
LAKE BALBOA (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Fire Department Friday was investigating a small plane that crashed in a busy intersection in Lake Balboa.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. in the intersection of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Vanowen Street, and subsequently closed down the area while officials continued their investigation.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports:
"The plane did not hit a vehicle or structure & did not catch fire," the LAFD said.
The pilot of the aircraft, who traveled alone, was pronounced dead at the scene by officials. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.
The single-engine plane was listed as being an experimental aircraft known for being fast and light, and made of carbon fiber.
Witnesses were able to capture the plane on cellphone video as it narrowly missed cars and buildings before crashing into the pavement.
It remains unclear if the plane crashed shortly after taking off from Van Nuys Airport.
A friend of the pilot explained to KCAL9's Cristy Fajardo that he was a father, husband and professor at Arizona State University.
He went on to explain that the victim used his plane to commute to his home in Scottsdale, Ariz.
NTSB investigators will continue to determine what caused the crash to occur.
The Los Angeles Police Department assisted in the investigation.
No further details were released.
