Pilot Walks Away, But Aircraft Destroyed

A North American AT-6 Texan in WWII Luftwaffe livery went down Tuesday on the 101 freeway near Los Angeles, resulting in the total loss of the airplane. The pilot, fortunately, was pulled from the burning wreckage by passers-by and was safe.

The accident shut down the major roadway in Agoura Hills. The plane hit a center divider on the roadway before coming to a stop and catching fire, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. No vehicles were damaged, but the accident tied up traffic in both directions for several miles, according to a report from Fox News.

The aircraft belonged to the Condor Squadron, a group which according to its website "is a unique non-profit organization founded in 1965 by a group of WWII fighter pilots, preserving a piece of aviation history that played an important part in securing the freedoms we cherish as a nation.

"We proudly fly WWII, North American AT-6 airplanes in formation over parades, memorial services and events commemorating veterans."

Condor Squadron president Chris Rushing told Fox News that it was not clear why the plane went down, but the pilot, who flies for Alaska Airlines, was conducting a training exercise when the accident occurred.

Television Station KABC reports that the pilot, who was identified as 43-year-old Robert Sandberg of Camarillo, CA, told one of their employees who was on the freeway and witnessed the accident that the flight had originated from Van Nuys airport, and that he had developed engine problems during the flight. He said the engine "completely failed" and he opted for an emergency landing on the roadway.

(Image from YouTube video posted by user Den Son)

FMI: Original report, Original report, YouTube