A preliminary report by federal investigators on a plane crash which closed a key section of Highway 101 for hours last week has more details on what led to the accident.
A World War II era military training plane flying out of Van Nuys airport October 23rd had engine trouble, and landed on Highway 101 in Agoura Hills.
A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report indicates that shortly after takeoff, the pilot of the single engine plane heard two loud bangs, and experienced a total loss of engine power.
Landing on the freeway was the only option, because he was in a canyon at the time. The pilot was able to touch down safely, avoiding traffic on the 101. But, the plane’s left wing hit the 101’s center divider, starting a fire which destroyed the aircraft.
The blaze, and the investigation led to the initial full closure of the 101, and then a partial closure which led to massive traffic tieups for hours.
The 1940’s vintage SNJ-5 trainer was owned by a non-profit flying club at Van Nuys airport.
