Boy injured after small plane crashes on California beach

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say a small plane crashed into crowded beach in Southern California, sending a 12-year-old boy to the hospital with minor injuries.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the single-engine Piper PA18 lost engine power and hit the beach in Carlsbad shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday.

The aircraft, which had been towing a banner, flipped over after landing.

California State Parks Lt. Justin McHenry says the 23-year-old pilot was not injured, but the youngster who was on the ground sustained a gash to his head. He was taken to a hospital in San Diego.

The beach was packed for the Fourth of July.

A witness told KGTV-TV beachgoers took off running when they saw the plane go down.

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This story has been corrected to show that one person was hurt, not two.

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