A pilot was killed Tuesday when the small plane he was in crashed into a building during takeoff from the Van Nuys Airport, officials said.
The crash was reported at 1:38 p.m. at 16145 W. Hart St., an industrial section of Van Nuys near the general aviation airport, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.
Van Nuys Airport spokeswoman Diana Sanchez said the plane was a light sport aircraft with one person on board.
The plane was largely demolished when it slammed into the concrete structure near Woodley Avenue.
Aerial footage showed debris from the plane strewn across a parking lot, with much of the fuselage pinned between two brick buildings.
A power line had been sheared and a pickup truck was heavily damaged.
Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration said the plane is believed to be an Arion Lightning, a light-sport kit-type aircraft.
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He said the pilot was apparently performing "touch-and-go" practice maneuvers at Van Nuys Airport when the crash occurred.
City News Service contributed to this report.
