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

CROWN, 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 pm on Tuesday.

The incident happened along the eastbound lanes at Lincoln Avenue.

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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.

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.”

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