Small plane crash reported in San Bernardino

A man is in the hospital in critical condition after a small plane crash in the city of San Bernardino Friday night.

The plane crash scene was located n the Santa Ana riverbed near East Cooley Drive and Cooley Court, just south of the San Bernardino International Airport shortly after 8 p.m.

According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the pilot radioed for help at about 8 p.m., stating that he was experiencing engine failure and was going to land at runway 6 at the San Bernardino County Aiport. The control tower lost radio and visual contact with the plane one mile southwest of the field.

First responders had to search the area for the plane crash site, as there were no 911 calls to assist with a location. A Sheriff's helicopter was able to find the downed plane. Firefighters rescued an adult male trapped in a Cessna 152 that sustained heavy damage.

According to CBS Los Angeles, the pilot told first responders that there was another passenger aboard, but crews were able to confirm there were no other passengers in the aircraft.

The pilot was awake and conscious when first responded rescued him. He was taken to the hospital in critical, but stable condition. His injuries are possibly life-threatening, the department confirmed.

There was no post-crash fire and fuel leakage was stopped before it could reach the river.

The scene has been turned over to San Bernardino City Police Department with notifications to the FAA and NTSB.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.