Small plane crashes at Calif. airport after takeoff; 1 on board, injuries unknown

Small plane crashes at Calif. airport

HAYWARD, Calif. — Authorities say a small plane crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff at California’s Hayward Executive Airport.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the pilot was believed to be the only person on board when the twin-engine Beechcraft KingAir crashed Wednesday.

The pilot was removed from the plane by firefighters and taken to a hospital. His condition was not known.

Hayward is about 20 miles southeast of San Francisco.