A single-engine Cessna aircraft crashed into the parking lot of an O’Reilly Auto Parts store on Monday morning following a collision with high-voltage power lines.
The incident occurred as the pilot was reportedly attempting to return to Whiteman Airport.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the aircraft resting upside down amidst the wreckage of a utility pole.
The impact with the 35,000-volt lines triggered a significant explosion and sent live wires onto the pavement.
The pilot, identified as a 72-year-old man, was pulled from the cockpit by bystanders and first responders.
He was transported to a local trauma center and remains in critical condition.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials confirmed that no one on the ground was injured during the crash.
However, the proximity of the downed high-voltage lines created an immediate hazard for the surrounding neighborhood.
Utility crews were dispatched to the area to manage the damaged electrical infrastructure.
The crash resulted in widespread power outages affecting hundreds of local residents and businesses.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of several nearby homes and commercial buildings as a precautionary measure.
This was due to the risk of fire and the presence of energized lines near the crash site.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified of the incident.
Investigators will look into the flight path and mechanical state of the Cessna prior to the collision.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane descended rapidly toward the busy commercial corridor.
Many reported hearing a loud blast followed by a flash of light when the aircraft struck the utility pole.
Whiteman Airport has faced increased scrutiny from the local community regarding safety concerns in recent years.
This latest incident is likely to reignite discussions about the airport's proximity to residential and commercial zones.
Cleanup efforts continued throughout the afternoon as crews worked to remove the wreckage and restore electrical service.
The parking lot remained cordoned off while federal investigators documented the scene.
Further updates regarding the cause of the crash are expected as the NTSB begins its formal inquiry.