Plane Crash in Pacoima Kills Pilot

A pilot was killed when his small plane crashed on the 10600 block of Sutter Avenue near Whiteman Airport in Pacoima Thursday morning.

Details:

The aircraft was a single-engine Cessna 172; it crashed as it approached the runway damaging three cars, per the LA Times.

• The crash occurred just before noon, causing a large plume of dark smoke.

• The pilot was the only person on board, and an LA Fire Department spokesperson described the lone victim as "beyond medical help."

• Utility workers shut off electricity to the area due to the electrical hazard.

• The FAA is investigating the crash and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will determine the probable cause, per AP.