AGOURA HILLS (CNS) - A plane crash-landed on the Ventura (101) Freeway in Agoura Hills this afternoon, but the pilot managed to get out safely as the vintage aircraft caught fire in the center divider area. The crash, which was reported about 1:45 p.m. near Liberty Canyon Road, shut down both sides of the freeway, creating a miles-long traffic backup.No vehicles were involved and the pilot was uninjured, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which responded and doused the flaming wreckage.
The plane was an American-made Forney F-1, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which will investigate the crash along with the National Transportation Safety Board. The aircraft, which had German World War II-era markings, sustained substantial damage, the FAA reported.
Northbound traffic was being taken off at Lost Hills Road, and southbound vehicles at Liberty Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The plane is believed to be owned by the Van Nuys-based Condor Squadron, a nonprofit group founded in 1965 by a group of World War II fighter pilots. According to the group's website, the group operates military aircraft museums at the Van Nuys Airport and in Burbank, and it flies restored aircraft at parades and memorial events honoring veterans.
Following the plane crash, the group posted on its Twitter page, ``We are aware of the incident and will comment when we have more info and when the time is right.''