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Police officers rescue light aircraft pilot who made an emergency landing seconds before being hit by a train

The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff. After landing, it was destroyed by a passenger train

January 10, 2022 3:17pm

Updated: January 10, 2022 5:21pm

Los Angeles Police rescued the pilot of a Cessna 172 light aircraft that crashed in the Pacoima neighborhood on Sunday after making an emergency landing seconds before the aircraft was hit by a train.

“Foothill Division Officers displayed heroism and quick action by saving the life of a pilot who made an emergency landing on the railroad tracks at San Fernando Rd. and Osborne St., just before an oncoming train collided with the aircraft,” tweeted LAPD.

The plane lost power shortly after takeoff from the airport in the San Francisco Valley, prompting the pilot to force the aircraft to land at about 2:10 p.m., according to authorities.

The pilot was the only person on board and some people who witnessed the incident helped get the pilot out of the plane before firefighters arrived, said LAPD spokesman Brian Humphrey.

The pilot was transported to a trauma center by police paramedics. He received treatment for cuts and bruises and is in stable condition.

After the event, train movement was restricted in that area. One or more lanes of San Fernando Rd. and Osborne St. were closed while cleanup operations were conducted.

Fast-File Reporter

Marielbis Rojas

Marielbis Rojas is a Venezuelan journalist and communications professional with a degree in Social Communication from UCAB. She is a news reporter for ADN America.