Plane crashes into pickup truck on 91 Freeway in Corona, bursts into flames

Two people inside of the aircraft escaped uninjured, according to a CHP incident log.

Irene Cruz Image
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Plane crash lands on California freeway; pilot, passenger escape
A single-engine plane crash-landed on a California freeway after it slammed into the ground and a pickup truck before bursting into flames.

CORONA, Calif. (KABC) -- A single-engine airplane crashed into a pickup truck on the 91 Freeway in Corona and then burst into flames, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol began receiving reports of a plane crash just after 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The incident happened along the eastbound lanes at Lincoln Avenue.

Dashcam video captured the moment the small plane crash-landed on the freeway and burst into flames.

WATCH | Dashcam video shows moment plane crash-landed on 91 Freeway

Dashcam video captured the moment a small plane crash-landed on the 91 Freeway and burst into flames.

CHP officials said there were two people on the plane and three in the truck. Thankfully, everyone was able to walk away unharmed.

The single-engine Piper Cherokee aircraft erupted into flames following the crash, but firefighters put the blaze out quickly.

The pilot said the crash may have been caused by possible engine failure during the plane's final descent into Corona Municipal Airport. The exact cause has not yet been determined.

WATCH | Surveillance video shows plane crash-landing on 91 Freeway in Corona

Surveillance footage shows a single-engine airplane crash-landing on the 91 Freeway in Corona on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.

Authorities say it could have been much worse if the crash occurred during rush hour.

"Absolutely very fortunate today. The traffic was light, and the pilot appears to have made some good landing navigations and avoided what could have been a very bad tragedy," said CHP Capt. Levi Miller.

The two right lanes on the eastbound 91 and the Lincoln on-ramp were closed and expected to remain shut down through much of the afternoon rush. Drivers in the area were urged to seek an alternate route as authorities cleared the scene.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration issued the following statement:

"An unidentified small plane landed on the eastbound 91 Freeway near Interstate 15 in Corona, Calif., around 12:30 local time today. Two people were on board. The FAA will investigate. The agency does not identify people involved in aircraft accidents or incidents."

WATCH | AIR7 HD over the scene of the plane crash

A single-engine airplane crash-landed on the 91 Freeway in Corona and the two occupants were able to get out safely, authorities said.