Los Angeles Police Department officers in Pacoima rescued a pilot from a crashed plane just moments before a train slammed into the aircraft Sunday afternoon, authorities said. The single-engine Cessna crashed onto the train tracks at San Fernando and Osborne streets about 2 p.m., LAPD Officer Antonio Delatorre said. Shortly after, officers from LAPD’s Foothill Division pulled a bloodied man in his 70s from the cockpit, according to Delatorre. A video shared by LAPD shows a Metrolink train hitting the plane just seconds after the rescue.
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. pic.twitter.com/DDxtGGIIMo— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 10, 2022
The plane crashed after losing power, according to a tweet posted by the LAPD Valley Bureau. The pilot was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition as of 8 p.m., authorities said. No other injuries were reported.